New Release: Stars, Set Yourself On Fire (20th Anniversary Edition) (Arts & Crafts)

The Montreal sextet Stars formed in 2000, releasing their debut Nightsongs the following year. The album included an ethereal cover of The Smiths’ “This Charming Man.” Critical success and a growing fanbase soon followed. Dual lead singers Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan provide amazing harmonies, each passing the baton to the other to create incredible melodies in every tune.

The band are close with fellow Canadians Broken Social Scene and were known for frequently swapping members on any given night. Fire would be the band’s desired and deserved breakthrough. Stars have been described as indie pop, indie rock, chamber pop, along with many other descriptors. Inspired by such artists as The Smiths, New Order, Brian Wilson, and even OutKast, the diversity of sounds is evident. The one-two punch of Campbell and Millan fires on all cylinders. From the website, the anniversary edition is described as, “Lovingly reimagined on 140g opaque red vinyl housed in a special die cut jacket with printed inner sleeve, 12×24″ pinup poster, and a temporary tattoo featuring the iconic flame design. New liner notes written by album producer Tom McFall. Digital download includes two bonus tracks not widely available on other releases.” Those two extras are, “Petite Mort” and “Rollerskate,” showcasing the best of the poppy side of the band.

The first single off the album is the glorious “Your Ex-Lover Is Dead.” The track begins with the voice of Campbell’s father Douglas, a well-known stage actor, declaring, “When there is nothing left to burn, you have to set yourself on fire.” The song – still the band’s most streamed creation – is a wondrous thing with an equally stunning video.

The Millan-led “Ageless Beauty” is pure pop brilliance. Not to focus solely on the singers, this band is complete with taut musicians including Chris Seligman on keyboards, French horn, and backing vocals, Evan Cranley on bass guitar and backing vocals, Pat McGee on drums and percussion, with Chris McCarron playing lead guitar. “Reunion” and “Calendar Girl” have also become fan faves over the last couple decades.

As Torq sings on the title track, “Twenty years asleep before we sleep forever.” It’s now 20 years later and there will be little rest as the band is out promoting the anniversary of their third album kicking off in the northeast U.S., then continuing through much of Canada and the U.S. West coast.

Do yourself a favor and buy the tickets. This is a fantastic live act. For more information and to purchase Set Yourself On Fire (20th Anniversary Edition), visit the Stars website.

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