See Them
Stellastarr* have been around for a few years - forming in New York City at the dawn of this millennium. During the last four years they have supported The Ravonettes, Jane's Addiction and Placebo to name just a few - this is their UK headline tour and tonight's show has already got off to a powerful start from the two support bands.
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I've heard the band described as many different genres, most people would say that the fit in to the indie genre that has been increasingly popular for the last few years, but they've also been described as emo. Our own CD reviewer, Stephen Kyle, has even said that they sound like the Proclaimers. This is where its my turn to put my neck on the line and put a band in to a little box. In the case of Stellastarr* I would say that they fit into the indie genre best although it certainly sounds like there are distinct influences of metal at the same time, but that's not quite it.
I like it when I see a band that I cannot classify, a band with a unique sound that crosses over so many influences and genres that you just can't decide quite where they fit. To the disbelief of my colleagues I also decided that they had a sound slightly reminiscent of the early 90's Brit Pop bands such as Pulp - not a strong sound, however the point is that its a band you have to see and hear to understand, there is a little part of this band that most people are going to want to see.
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The set gets off to a good start with a guitar amplifier blowing up, a microphone not working and the crowd seeming to miss that a song has ended and just standing there in deadly silence. This doesn't put the band off who interact with the crowd on a very equal, amicable level and then the set gets in to full swing.
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As the set progresses, you can tell why the band have a loyal following. Amanda's backup vocals seem to soar over Shawn's and create an eerie sound that fills the entire venue and leaves the hairs standing up on the back of your neck whilst the harmonies that they seem to create are powerful and melodic yet raw at the same time.
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By the time that they have come back for their encore the crowd are jumping around and even sitting on shoulders like it were a 100,000 capacity festival crowd rather than an 800 capacity Brummie-crowd. This is one band that you have to see, and it is one band that must play this year's festival scene in the UK - if they don't then its a crime. See them.
To view all photos taken during this set click here. There are 14 available.