By Bobby Hankinson
The recent revival of everything ’80s, from leg warmers to VH1 specials, has also led to a musical return to the roots of new wave. Stellastarr, formed in 2000 in Brooklyn, N.Y., is one such band to combine the dance hooks of new wave with guitar-driven indie rock laden with introspective lyrics on their recently released debut album.
The band – comprised of Shawn Christensen on vocals and guitar, Amanda Tannen on bass and vocals, Arthur Kremer on percussion and keyboards and Michael Jurin on guitar – has played with Placebo, Jane’s Addiction and the Ravonettes. Stellastarr signed onto RCA Records in May 2003 and released their LP in September.
The self-titled album begins with “In the Walls,” a rich, dark track in which Christensen’s howl is reminiscent of Mike Score of ’80s legends, A Flock of Seagulls. Tannen’s sweet accompanying vocals are the perfect compliment to Christensen’s wail. Upon first listen, it is easy to overlook the musical texture of the track, though its epic nature is difficult to deny.
“Jenny,” the second track, sounds strikingly similar to the Pixies’ “Where is My Mind?” Much lighter and more upbeat than the previous song, “Jenny,” capitalizes on the recent surge in danceable indie rock with a sweet, almost pop track. However, don’t let the upbeat nature of the song dismiss its musical integrity, as Jurin’s guitar riff shines through the break down.
Continuing to illustrate their ’80s influence, Stellastarr uses a combination of melancholy lyrics with a catchy bass line and guitar part similar to that of The Cure on “A Million Reasons.” The track stays pretty true to this formula until after Tannen’s crooning at the end of the track, which is followed by Christensen’s cadenza.
The next track, “My Coco,” is easily the most standout track on the album. The only track to be mixed by Brian Malouf at Hit Factory in New York, the son has all the makings of a major Top 40 hit. Already sporting a video on the Fuse network, “My Coco” has been released as the album’s first single. Incredibly catchy, demanding to be danced to and, as its – karaoke themed video suggests, a sing-along track, “My Coco” has the most potential to propel Stellastarr into heavy rotation on radio and television stations.
With its distorted guitar-driven opening. No Weather” maintains the energy set forth in “My Coco” Again, Tannen’s dulcet vocals are used to enhance the seemingly paranoid vocals of Christensen. The track soon evolves into a spaghetti western-esque sound, much like Blondie’s “Atomic.”
Stellastarr paces the album with the slow “Moongirl” next. Almost completely wordless for the majority of the song, the album hits a “breathing-point” here to allow the listener to recover from the previous two tracks. However, “Somewhere Across Forever” returns to the band’s previous dance-rock style.
The band tries to slow things down once more with “Homeland” and “Untitled.” While “Homeland” remains slightly more up-tempo, courtesy of Stellastarr’s rhythm section, “Untitled” drips of sorrow as Christensen sings through the chorus, “All I want is another try/All I want is to just feel the same/So, what’s your name?” Again, returning to a style similar to The Cure, “Untitled” sounds remarkably like The Cure’s “Letter to Elise.”
“Pulp Song” attempts to recapture the energy of previous tracks with its pounding bass drum opening. Stellastarr maintains the level of intensity through the end, as the song culminates with Christensen’s scream.
Despite the many similarities Stellastarr shares with legendary bands such as the Pixies, The Cure and Blondie, the band manages to still reflect an individual sound. The album is one of the strongest debuts from last year. Stellastarr provides a solid album completely devoid of a filler track. Joining the ranks of the Postal Service and Mates of State, Stellastarr successfully produces indie rock you can dance to for a truly enjoyable experience.
Stellastarr will take the stage at the Middle East in Cambridge on Friday, April 2.
