Stars

Venue:

Deaf Institute, Manchester

Date: 10/02/2023

Can there be a less unalloyed pleasure then finally seeing live a band who you’re listened to for many years but, partly because they’re from another country, partly because they’re not that big, you never thought they’d tour over here again. So it is with Stars, the Canadian indie poppers now well into their third decade as a band. No Birmingham date on their short current tour, so a quick train and an Ibis Styles later I’m at the Deaf Institute. It’s tiny! There are probably sixty souls when I arrive, and by the time Stars are on that number has doubled. But even so, 120 tickets at €20 a pop does not leave much to go between six band members, two roadies, sound engineer and so on. Other dates I hope are in bigger venues, otherwise I am guessing someone is losing their shirt on this. Support is an eccentric but endearing solo act from Murray Lightburn, frontman for fellow Montealers The Dears, Stars are on just after eight – just about fitting bass, guitar, drums, keyboards and two singers onto the tiny stage.
But before Stars start, a brief digression. As a teenager at large in the city, forty years later Oxford Road is practically a full serving of madeleines. At the top the twin beacons of Rotters nightclub and the Odeon cinema are long gone. The Palace (where I saw Tears for Fears) is only musicals now. By the station The Cornerhouse has shifted names and buildings to become Home. Underage drinking den The Shady Lady is still a bar, and down the steps The Salisbury is still tucked underneath the arches (we poke our heads round afterwards – too full, so on we go to the ever-trad and reliable Peveril of the Peak). Nearly at the gig now, accompanied by memories of gigs, dates and much more. Veggie pioneer cafe On The Eighth Day endures, as does Johnny Roadhouse- purveyors of dodgy second- hand musical kit to generations of bands. Past the old poly, where I saw surprisingly few bands as I think they were pretty strict about u-18’s. But at least one memorable night with Black and Icicle Works and a drunk girlfriend.
And so to Stars. A band, like the audience, well past the securities and confidence of youth. We’re here to – in part – celebrate their endurance, as their presence affirms our own abilities
to be here, together, still – as the band note. Their sound is lifted into the extra- ordinary by the twin lead vocals of Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan. Sometimes one takes a line, then another. Sometimes one takes a verse, the other the chorus. Harmonies, double leads, backing and lead – its hypnotic from start to finish. The first few songs are good, but have a sense of containment. The pivotal moment is a Dears cover with Lightburn back and the song ending up with three singers. From there its proper lift -off, with each song roared more loudly than the one before. Take Me To The Riot is explosive, Palmistry (from the new album gorgeous, and Dead Hearts – a key song for them lyrically, beautiful. Its strain of -Dead hearts are everywhere 1 They were kids that I once knew has us all on the verge of tears. The power of cheap music eh? The rest of the setlist puts its foot on the pedal marked ‘joyous’. ‘Flourescent lights’ leads a final charge of upbeat numbers. Only one encore: they send us back on to Oxford Road with – No-one is lost’- the very essence of the happy/sad indie banger they’ve perfected. As Torquil’s line of ‘Stand Up if you’ve ever been afraid’ winds round Amy’s ‘no-one is lost’ it’s difficult to think of what could make this moment any better. For a hundred and twenty people, right now, they’re the best band in the world.

The audience:

Oh gosh, people more or less exactly like me. Median age around 45/48. Very gender-balanced.

It made me think..

God what didn’t it make me think. Ms Moles is not a fan, so met her afterwards. At the gig plenty of time to reflect on how miraculous six people can spread such joy. The sheer care, effort and love to make it all happen is astounding. But chiefly I was jumping up and down, singing along and getting thoroughly lost.

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