Stellastarr* - Harmonies for the Haunted

Stellastarr* are undoubtedly New York Hipster. The have all the earmarks of the Village. So its no surprise when they are oft compared to that other New York Hipster revival band, Interpol. Singer Shawn Christensen shares that same baritone croon, and penchant for all the things wrong with love. Where this four-piece does differ from their hipster brethren is the preference for soaring melodies, approaching (dare I say it) anthemic proportions. It’s really a shame that they can’t capture the same passion as say The Cure or Echo and the Bunnymen. Maybe it’s the production values, or Christensen’s voice and lyrics, but Stellastarr* never quite seems to capture the je ne sais quoi of their many and obvious influences. Bassist and backing vocalist Amanda Tannen may as well have studied under Tina Weymouth and Kim Deal. I had hopes for Harmonies For the Haunted, the group’s second album, that they might throw off the constant comparisons and become something of their own. Unfortunately, like their debut we hear more of a series of very strong impersonations. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but flattery will only get you so far. They may have begun really finding their own voice by reaching across the pond from New York for inspiration. But it seems unlikely that many will wait around for a third album hoping for these hipsters a voice to truly call their own. [www.stellastarr.com]