Stellastarr*: Civilized

Stellastarr*
Civilized
Bloated Wife Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: More of the same on first album in 4 years!

Album Review:
Remembering back, Stellastarr* were part of the hot NYC modern rock scene in 2003 with the release of their self-titled record. The year is now 2009 and the band is only on album number three and many bands whom followed their original sound have already surpassed the band critically and financially. If you are a looking for a familiar sound then Civilized will not throw you too many surprises. You still get baritone front man Shawn Christensen cranking out lyrical wordplay while the bands new wave tendencies supply plenty of layered background vocal support and enough bouncy beats to keep you going. Other then speeding up some of their playing like on the frenzied opener "Robot" to the bounciness contained in "Prom Zombie", Stellastarr* remain unphased by the passing of time and long time fans will want to immediately embrace album number three. Civilized does take several listens to sink in and compared to their debut when this NYC sound seemed more new and innovative, Stellastarr* take it in stride and seem complacent where they stand in the current rock environment.

Key Tracks: "Robot", "Numbers", "Move On"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bloc Party
The Airbourne Toxic Event
Interpol

Official Stellastarr* Website
Stellastarr* MySpace
Stellastarr* Info [Allmusic]

Civilized - Stellastarr*

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony