Available Today: Civilized from Stellastarr*

I was extremely excited to put on some headphones and listen to Stellastarr*’s latest album ‘Civilized’, as its predecessor, ‘Harmonies for the Haunted’ spent a lot of time in my CD player (hey…it was like four years ago, pre my iPod). I was immediately intrigued by the album’s first single, ‘Graffiti Eyes‘ because it sounded a bit different than their older tunes, which is great, music shouldn’t remain stagnant. While listening to ‘Civilized’ in its entirety, something seemed noticeably different about the bands’ sound…it was a less familiar version of Stellastarr*. After a few songs it was obvious that the variation was in Shawn’s vocal tone, it was less manufactured sounding, less low level…it seemed like his real voice.

We had a chance to ask Stellastarr* about this obvious shift in sound:
M. Snitch: The most noticeable difference on Civilized, in comparison to previous albums, is Shawn’s change in vocal tone, which creates an entirely different feel to Stellastarr’s music. The vocal style is certainly a signature piece of your music, so what prompted the deviation? Was it more experimental or just a matter of evolution?

Shawn: I had some panic and anxiety attacks for a year, and it tightened my throat up to the point where it was hard to breathe. As a result, I sang in the middle register for most of the record to avoid straining it during rehearsals.

We also asked the question we always like to know:
M. Snitch: What are some of your favorite bands at the moment?

Arthur: Bear Hands, Takka Takka, School of Seven Bells

With just one listen, I was on the fence about this album but with a couple more listens, a few tracks started to stand out, like: Freak Out, Tokyo Sky and Sonja Cries.

Take A Listen: Freak Out by Stellastarr*

Stellastarr*’s third album ‘Civilized’, the follow-up to 2005’s Harmonies for the Haunted, is slated for a July 7th release on their very own label, Bloated Wife Records. In anticipation of the July 7th North American release of ‘Civilized’, Stellastarr* are heading on their first cross-country tour in 3 years. They’ll be hitting cities from coast to coast starting in mid-July. The official announcement of Tour Dates will be on April 27th.

Take A Listen: Graffiti Eyes by Stellastarr*

Stellastarr* – MySpace

SNiTCH Definition: Stellastarr* – A New York inspired band created by the urge to cure their boredom associated with the mundane rituals of perfecting the art of acting and acting like an artist. Cool like a Penguin’s tushie, Stellastarr* has the ability to make people feel like swaggering down Central Avenue with a pimp limp.

Stellastarr* produces songs that are ambient, eclectic, real and melodic. From the tracks that feature a mild “ahhh, ahhh” breathy sigh from Amanda to the songs that promote anticipation of Shawn’s vocal selection, Stellastarr* seems to go with the flow. Sometimes when I listen to their CD’s I picture an angst driven chain smoker sitting at a bar with tight black jeans on, pondering the bigger picture.

Stellastarr* has a hint of The Pixies and a splash of The Cure. Their follow-up album, Harmonies For The Haunted showcased their wonderfully established formula as well as their journey of growth. Stand-Out Songs: In The Walls, A Million Reasons, My Coco, Sweet Troubled Soul, When I Disappear, Love and Longing

Stellastarr*’s WebSite

Ah yes, we have reached the pinnacle of the show, Editors take the stage. If you like their albums, you will adore their live performance. I was extremely impressed and excited to add another UK band to our long list of reasons why we must move to London. A CD cannot remotely capture the conglomeration of musical talent expelled from Editors. The lead singer looked like he was going to explode from the passion building inside of him. He was so moved; he continually looked to his guitar for a hug.