See? Indie rock musicians are just like you and I! They, too, get bummed out. They, too, have to cope with an economic crunch. They, too, crank up the melodica to drown out life’s sorrows.
OK, maybe we aren’t all as fortunate as Stars’ Torquil Campbell to own such a merrymaking toy. Though based in Canada, Stars share this incredible empathy with American listeners. A tingle of empowerment snaked through the audience during the poignant “Take Me To the Riot,” a pop anthem that could bring solace to these tough times. “They hold tight their coin and pray no one has to see the fall,” crooned Campbell, eyes cast upward, hopeful that despite the current financial woes of the nation, music could still ring true.
The Stars’ message was a bit muddled by the divisive opening acts. Quirky trio Think About Life encouraged the audience to raise a ruckus and live it up and troubadour-by-numbers Pepi Ginsburg rambled on about injustice …or something. Hidden behind a fedora, Ginsburg subscribed to the Ani DiFranco laws of sing-talking, yielding disastrous results. TAL fared better, as front man Martin Cesar — an ironic Steve Urkel clone — did mock rain dances around the stage and taunted security guards.
Then, awash in racing lights and the soothing hum of digital ambience, Stars shouldered through an impressive set.
The Avalon’s historic art deco flavor accented Amy Millan’s regal, vulnerable vocals, and the atmosphere lapped up the swoon of their opus “Your Ex-Lover is Dead.”
Confidence and cheerfulness reverberated, even though the big bad world loomed just beyond the building’s doors.
Campbell did make a play for the fans’ wallets, though: “I’m trying to have a baby. Help a brother out,” he coyly implored before launching into a solemn track off their new Sad Robots EP. Though “Undertow” and the “Robots” brethren performed that evening proved pretty, they seemed to eat up precious time that could have been devoted to the regretfully omitted “The Big Fight” and “Calendar Girl.”
But Stars bounced back in their generous four-song encore, reaching back to the beautiful, melancholic title cut off of 2003’s Heart. “Time can take its toll on the best of us,” Campbell sang contemplatively. The concert was a catharsis; Stars want you to hurt with them so you don’t have to go it alone.
– Melissa Bobbitt
Stars: www.arts-crafts.ca/stars
Think About Life: www.thinkaboutlife.org
Pepi Ginsburg: http://www.pepiginsberg.com/