STELLASTARR*

It was made abundantly clear to me a few days ago that I should lend my ear to the three-song EP, Somewhere Across Forever, by New York's stellastarr*. "It's so YOU," I was told. Well, despite the similarity in name that we happen to share, I assumed with my obsession for all things White Stripes and anything formed with gritty, garage-band swagger, I was in for a raw guitar, basic kick-ass beat treat. Oh, not so, dear Stella. Not so.
Instead, I found myself swept into a land of sweet, new age sound that made me recall my forgotten dreams of running off to sketchy clubs with Nick Cage's punk hottie, Randy, in Valley Girl. The driving guitars, make-me-wanna-sing-along lyrics, and sah-weet background harmonies of bassist Amanda Tannen melt my little Psychedelic Furs-lovin', Robert Smith-come-over-here-and-let-me-share-your-lipstick, finding-glee-in-the-glorious moping heart. The fact that they reportedly promise "one of the most dynamic live experiences you'll ever witness" entices me, to say the least. Well, that and the thought of being able to catch a glimpse of lead singer/guitarist Shawn Christensen's delectably messy hair, analog style. Anyone care to fly me to NYC to catch them at the Bowery Ballroom w/ Apples In Stereo and Oranger on the 7th? Of course, I find myself quite a worthwhile investment, despite my love of early '80s movies starring Coppola family members.
All self-pimping aside, could stellastarr* mark a resurgence in the post-punk/new age sound? Oh let it be so. I find myself salivating to snatch up their full length cd that will be out in the spring.
Where's my eyeliner?
VISIT THEM AT STELLASTARR.COM