Music Review: “The Five Ghosts” by Stars

2011, Vagrant

Reviewed by Emaan Majed, 15
Texas

I first caught the words "Your Ex-Lover Is Dead" on my Facebook newsfeed.  I was intrigued and searched it that instant. That’s how I found out about Stars, an indie Canadian band that produces music unlike any I have heard before.

Stars presents a refreshingly original sound, complete with narrative lyrics and soft, poignant voices. With a focus on beautiful instrumentals, Amy Millan and Torquil Campbell’s vocals layer stories into their songs. These are the sharp, dream-woven indie tunes that guided me through delight and depression—

and in the same song.

Stars is a nice break from the loud, obnoxious chart-toppers I’m used to. I suspect many other teens who are tired of listening to songs about Taylor Swift’s latest heartbreak will welcome this simple, relaxing, eloquent music. There is a unique quality that you don’t find on the radio; it’s this sleepy awareness, this rolling knowing. Quietly, they slip into your head and tell you the truth about life.

Stars shares many members, and consequently a large part of their sound, with indie band, Broken Social Scene. I also found similarities with Bright Eyes, another indie pop band.

Although their genre is indie-pop,  I’ve seen fans of all genres fall in love. Their last albums were The Five Ghosts and The Bedroom Demos—and I guarantee you that even if The Five Ghosts is not quite to your taste, the Stars will find a way to haunt you.