In Our Bedroom After the War
By Laura Cooper “It’s incredible to me that you want to hear me sing these stupid songs,” Torquil Campbell of Canadian outfit Stars told a packed crowd at New York City’s Town Hall this past Thursday. The audience cheered and laughed. Currently on tour promoting their latest release on the label Arts and Crafts, “In Our Bedroom after the War,” which was released last month, radiates the band’s signature haunting lyrics of love lost and the beauty of life found. The title track boasts “All the living are dead, and the dead are all living, the war is over- and we are the beginning,” words of rebirth and peace, while sending a clear message about the Iraqi war-- that it must end now. Stars is best known for the song “Your Ex-lover Is Dead” off of their sophomore album, “Set Yourself on Fire,” which was featured on Adam Brody’s own personal mix tape and an OC soundtrack. That exposure perhaps explains the eclectic crowd --an audience ranging from high school kids to grandparents. Stars’s music is relatable and haunting. Anyone who has loved, lost, or both can feel the pain in every lyric of “Midnight Coward,” with lines such as “What can't be decided, in the morning it will bring itself to you/I can see what's coming, but I'm not saying it.” Stars frontman Torquil Campbell is one of five members of the band. Others include Amy Millan whose solo debut album exploded onto the indie rock scene last year. Together, Campbell and Millan create the dialogue and contrast that characteristically dot the songs on every Stars album. “In Our Bedroom after the War” is no different. Though both have solo pieces on the new record, they’re in their element when they perform together. Torquil plays the trumpet and keyboard while Millan plays guitar. The other members provide flowing support for their music. The stage at Town Hall was lined with flowers and accented by framed artwork. The band threw the petals into the crowd and the air above them, letting them dot the stage beautifully. The audience was very involved for a seated venue- even the balcony was full of energy, and concertgoers stood up to get a better view of the band. The heart that Stars puts into their music is prevalent and strong. Even before Torquil dropped his wine bottle and charged into the crowd, the audience was in awe of just how beautiful a Stars live show could be. “In Our Bedroom after the War” follows an ever-expanding line of albums that read like a diary and have a personal touch that will continue to captivate listeners for years to come. |
