Harmelody Reviews Stars' Latest Album

Last Updated on Monday, 21 June 2010 11:39 Written by Samantha Primeau Monday, 21 June 2010 11:32

Canadian rockers, Stars, have always been ‘epic’; their forte is creating songs that chronicle love affairs, tell tragic stories and riddle tragedies. Stars has always been good listening for the wounded soul- making one feel at home with the symphonic pain they exude.

Stars is good at what they do. We all love a band that recognizes the crappy, heartbreaking and stormy side of life. So, upon the release of their newest album, 'The Five Ghosts', fans were ready for another fix of Stars’ classic tunes.

Unfortunately, it sounds as if someone in the band has fallen in love, or maybe put on some anti-depressants, because ‘The Five Ghosts’ seems like a tamer version of the Stars we know and love.

Surprisingly enough, the more upbeat tracks on the album are the stand-outs. ‘I Died So I Could Haunt You’ and ‘We Don’t Want Your Body’ are two stand-outs for their positive melodies that are catchy and crowd pleasers.

Even the mix of dynamic instruments is overshadowed on this album. The typical symphonic melodies are put on the back burner by Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan's voices. The more modest instrumentals allow their voices to be the front runner and this album really showcases what talented vocalists they are.  The track ‘Changes’ is where Millan really shines and it’s refreshing to hear her voice in such a pure way.

It’s uncertain whether Stars will ever be able to top their break-out album, ‘Set Yourself On Fire’. And with hopes set so high for the preceding album, it’s so surprise we’re a little disappointed. Nevertheless, Stars is rocking and it’s evident their star hasn’t burned-out quite yet.

Watch the music video for 'Fixed' the first single off of 'The Five Ghosts' below!