From Capelton Hill

Canadian indie band Stars rounded the corner on 20 years together before the release of their ninth full-length, From Capelton Hill, and throughout the album the group reflect repeatedly on the strange and often bittersweet ways that time keeps moving forward. From the first notes of opening track "Palmistry," the elements that have made up Stars sound from the beginning are all intact: the well-balanced mix of subtle electronics, spirited organic rock instrumentation, and dual vocals from Amy Millan and Torquil Campbell cutting through to the front of the mix. Musically, this is the same intricate blend of chamber pop and upbeat indie pop that Stars have been perfecting for over two decades. Theres a somber shadow running throughout From Capelton Hill, though, one thats different from the melodrama and theatricality the band sometimes exhibited on earlier albums. It shows up in the nostalgic longing on "Pretenders," a gorgeous pastiche of Morrissey-recalling melodies and anthemic New Order-esque synth pop. The songs lyrics hover around themes of lost youth and fond remembrances of times that will never return, lacing the otherwise exuberant anthem with a palpable sadness. This paradox of heavy emotions and pristine pop comes to define From Capelton Hill. "Back to the End" is stunningly crafted with sharp synth lines that melt into lush live string parts, creating a backdrop for lyrics about inconsolable loneliness and harsh repeating cycles. "Capelton Hill" looks back on years spent touring, sneaking in a slyly self-referential line about the bands 2004 landmark album Set Yourself on Fire while wondering aloud what its all been for. The heaviness that runs through From Capelton Hill is a thoughtful one, with lyrics offering honest assessment of how aging can feel when youve been a touring musician for more than half of your life. Stars endlessly detailed arrangements are as impressive as ever, and become more powerful in the context of these highly reflective songs. Stars fearlessly investigate difficult feelings on From Capelton Hill, and capture a complex beauty in the process. ~ Fred Thomas