Spring Break
Listen up!
Issue date: 9/20/07 Section: Out & About
- Page 1 of 1
| |
|
Stars
"In Our Bedroom After The War"
Our neighbors to the north may not have a landmark city of soul like Memphis or Detroit, but Canadian synth-poppers Stars give the genre a sultry, contemporary turn on their latest effort. "In Our Bedroom After The War" represents a passionate yet relaxed retreat that combines '90s alt-rock dabbled in disco-toned soft rock and washed in futuristic electronic euphoria. And for all the growing Feist fans, don't dare forsake other Broken Social Scene songbird Amy Millan. The female co-frontwoman carries the LP with her dainty and unmistakable vocals. From the bombastic harmony and chorale on "Take Me To The Riot" to the in-bed intimacy of "Personal," the only thing left to blame Canada for is an atmospheric beauty that will be hard to top.
Verdict: Lock the door, turn down the lights and simmer with Stars.
Hot Hot Heat
"Happiness LTD."
"Happiness is limited, but misery has no end," croons lead singer Steve Bays to open his band's new album. Needless to say, this trope is not something you would expect from the piano-pop and ska-seasoned quartet in a previous lifetime. On "Happiness LTD," Hot Hot Heat trades in synthesizers for strings and dance ditties for ambitious anthems. While its instrumentation has matured, Bays' jangly and disjointed voice is less in control than ever. They unbelievably do their best when they take a slow turn on the sincere song "Outta Heart," but when it comes to the energetic dance explosion listeners are used to, they are more than "LTD."
Verdict: If you can't handle Hot Hot Heat, just saunter past the kitchen.
Be the first to comment on this story