The Farstar hail from Texas and its only the slight give-away hint of an accent in Shannon Barrett's vocals that would give you that clue, sounding as they do, like a very British indie band. You can close your eyes through tracks like "Astronauts" and hear The Cure jamming with Editors or Michael Stipe fronting Elbow. Farstar have definitely crafted their sound down to a fine art, their post modern indie sound is mournful but not depressingly bleak, it has subtle layers of guitar and piano and enough clever production tricks to give the songs warmth and texture, without making them overblown or to try-hard. Shannons vocals are often fragile and passionate which is de rigeur for all good indie singers at the moment, but it doesn't sound contrived as it has the character and charm to enhance and lift all of the songs. Even the (slight) over-use of regularly repeated U2 influenced guitar lines or the ubiquitous overblown bio don't grate sufficiently to detract from the fact that these are well played, atmospheric and anthemic songs. True enough, the songs don't change in pace from one melancholic slow march to the next but they are genuinely indidual and strong enough pieces of songwriting to withstand that kind of scrutiny. From the uplifting 'There's a light in your eyes' to the excellent "cash only" via the REM-at-their-best "Getaway Face" I would strongly recommend a listen.
I would imagine that The Farstar are a rare beast in The States playing their particular brand of Snowpatrol-esque, Brit -Indie and while they must have a fairly small amount of competition there, they'd definitely be a bit more part of the herd in the UK. Which, is where they should try and come and play if they wanted to get a decent hearing. They look and definitely sound the definite article.
Strong songs well made
Review by Drumhead
RANK:***** 5 out of 6
www.myspace.com/farstar
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