Stellastarr

Shawn Christensen's deep, portentous vocals bring some gothic shadows to Stellastar's angular post-punk. Harmonies for the Haunted's taut, tightly-woven instruments produce a claustrophobic sound that's only lightened when the hook-filled choruses butt in like a gasp of fresh air.

Stellastarr became New York hipster darlings a couple of summers ago with "My Coco," a
five-minute blast of New Wave guitar tremors featuring the vocal yelps of guitarist Shawn
Christensen and bassist Amanda Tannen. With other pop gems such as "Pulp Song" and
"Jenny," Stellastarr promised greatness, which they fully deliver on their second album,
Harmonies for the Haunted. Stellastarr sound playful but passionate, flashing thei... More >

What gave Shawn Christensen and his botched tonsillectomy the idea of joining the exalted ranks of Robert Smith and Simon Le Bon? This is pop music, not the Special Olympics. I mean, at least the Interpol guy is from England. Christensen's from Pratt. (Grade - C)