new ep by canadian band stars

1. Maintenance Hall, 4 am (2:18)

A quiet and haunting piano melody overlaid with electronic buzz sets the mood of this EP, and an unexpected robotic trill lends some mystery. This track leads into “A Thread…” quite nicely.

2. A Thread Cut With a Carving Knife (5:51)

This is Stars at their best. The epic moments of this song call to mind “Your Ex-Lover is Dead” and “One More Night (Your Ex-Lover Remains Dead).” Torquil Campbell’s voice soars, and listeners are launched from quiet piano to epic electronic crescendo within the span of seconds. This song epitomizes the new direction of Stars – a more electronic and futuristic aesthetic.

3. Undertow (4:12)

Oh so catchy. This is Amy Millan’s turn to shine. I love the echo effect added in production – it makes her voice sound flawless and positively angelic. Even with the softer sound of this track, the electronic aesthetic is still apparent with breakbeats and synthy goodness.

4. Going, Going, Gone [Live] (3:53)

An old favorite, updated. This track originally appeared on Nightsongs, Stars’ first full-length release. Its incredible to see their artistic progression. And as always, Torquil and Amy sound fantastic live.

5. 14 Forever (3:48)

I don’t know how I feel about this song quite yet. It’s good, but not great. I think I need to listen to it at least twelve more times to be fair.

6. Sad Robot (2:11)

Beeps and bloops lead into a soft and lilting French chorus heavy with acoustic guitar. A soft and pretty end to the EP, although I don’t understand a word!