stellastar* – Harmonies for the Haunted Review


Link: stellastar*

The Inside Pulse:
stellastar* is likely a great live show. I can see people lining up ready to be whisked away to a world where the new wave of 1984 – 1987 is alive, rather than pop culture code for “ironic awareness of one’s own consumerism.” I’d go just to eavesdrop on the debates over Head on the Door or Japanese Whispers being the better Cure album. Sadly, on recorded media it’s clear that the band missed the fact that in the 80’s — when it came to new wave — irony, or its cousin ambivalence, was the point (see Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Missing Persons, et. al.). The earnestness seems misplaced and if emo-ish vulnerability is the band’s artistic contribution in a bid to separate itself from other 80’s-rooted bands, it isn’t enough. This band’s place in the world is to open for Gang of Four and Joy Division-influenced bands that want to make themselves look good.

Positives:
I don’t think they’re kidding and there something to be said for sincerity.
The rhythm section has the 80’s thing down and could be the anchor for a kick ass bar band.
I bet their shows feature neat lighting effects and get people dancing.

Negatives:
Let’s start with the singer sounding like he’s constantly out of breath at the end of his lines.
There are so many other ways to get your 80’s fix in CD form that a literal, wink-free retelling of this story is pointless.
I don’t see any way for the band to grow, so you’re not even getting the benefit of “knowing them when” like you may have gotten by being the first kid with a Ministry cassette.

Cross-breed:
A Dead or Alive cover band meets an Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark cover band, hires not-so-talented emo singer.

Reason to buy:
You frequently wish you live in the very dramatic senior prom scene from Teen Wolf III starring Andrew McCarthy.