The Canadian music scene has enjoyed a remarkably fecund few years, and this superb performance by Stars suggests that the country’s winning streak is set to continue for some time yet. Playing on a stage decked out in lamps and flowers, the six-piece band (affiliated, as it seems most Canadian outfits are, with Broken Social Scene) provide us with a show of hugely impressive style and verve.
The focal-points of the performance are the duo of Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan, who alternate vocal duties and have a strong onstage chemistry. Campbell is the more hyperactive of the two, dancing, swinging his mic stand and, at one point, stretching out over the first couple of rows to wrestle with an audience member talking into his phone. Millan, meanwhile, is content to play her Gibson guitar and captivate the audience with her truly amazing voice.
Musically, the group alternate between soaring soundscapes (augmented by Campbell on trumpet) and more low-key, atmospheric numbers. Best of all is ‘The Ghost Of Genova Heights’, an awesomely funky tune that gets the whole room dancing. The band depart to tumultuous cheers, throwing flowers and thanking us for the warm reception.
Overall, a fantastic gig by a highly gifted group.