It’s a fact that means you are practically forced to check out new talent whether you think they’re going to be any good or not, just in case you miss the next big thing. And that’s how I found myself at the Roadhouse on a dreary September night with an expectation that this could be an ‘I was there’ moment. The band: Stars - Canadian, lovelorn, political, and rumoured to possess monstrously beautiful tunes. These rumours proved to be correct as they stormed into a shimmering set of pop perfection. Not for them ragged lo-fi, as the seven strong Stars packed the stage with guitarists, violin players, drummer, keyboardist and in Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan, possess two lead singers who proceeded to pout and preen their way through songs of love, loss and living in the attic of George Bush’s America. This was the sort of music that brilliantly exposed many UK pop/rock pretenders for the recycling rascals they truly are. Not that there weren’t a few gripes. My gig-mate, for instance, thought they strayed into pop pap and couldn’t forgive Torquil Campbell his bland ‘man at C&A’ image and occasionally bland voice. Me? I thought his bug-eyed passion and frightening intensity was a main feature. Quite simply, these Stars sparkled brightly, and ‘I was there’ and will be again if they ever come back to play the MEN Arena in two years time! | 
