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Popstar Assassins: Moderne
[Triangle Bullet Lines]

Amongst all the glam/metal rock of the eighties, there was a quiet but very influential indie rock scene. Now, most of you know that, because you wouldnt be into unheard/unsigned bands otherwise, and wouldnt be reading a review on this indie music friendly website. Most of that influential music is credited by bands nowadays, but a lot of times you cant really hear it in their music; this is not the case for Popstar Assassins sophomore album Moderne. The bands material is swimming with sounds similar to early R.E.M. and Husker Du, and it also melts a modern twist with influences like Spoon and Radiohead to form a unique sound that makes for good listening.

The band comes from Seattle, but the music here is a far cry from the sounds that made Seattle a hotspot in the early 90s. What you have here is eleven polished tunes that are well structured and catchy. All members seem equally represented with appropriately placed guitar work, a competent rhythm section, and radio friendly vocals. The album never gets too aggressive with its rockers, and this works well for this band. The album has a sound that kind of keeps you hypnotized.

Songs that I particularly like are Headache(s) and I Request Roses. The first is probably the most rocking track on the album with its start-stop, distorted guitars and nice synth melody. The band chose it as the first single, and its easy to see why; it is a track that will make you want to find out more about Popstar Assassins. I Request Roses gave me the feeling of listening to an early R.E.M. song mixed with a little Sonic Youth. I think it must be the vocals that did it for me a bit buried in the mix and sung in a very drawn out way, searching for higher notes, almost sounding as though they werent certain they were going to hit the note; but just in the nick of time they do. This is very a good album. Part retro and part modern, Popstar Assassins seem to wear their influences like a badge of honor.

Check Amazon, Insound and CD Universe to purchase this album.

Popstar Assassins Official Website

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