The Stars Here @ The Horseshoe Dec. 27, 2008
Strange things can happen when you are least expecting it. Take for instance my complete surprise and delight in discovering a talented little band quite by accident. My friend wanted to go out dancing and have some fun but we were going to stay in Mississauga. I know, I know, where are you going to have fun in Mississauga, which is why we ended up at the Horseshoe. It was a toss up actually, whether to go to the ’shoe or the Rivoli but when we walked into the ’shoe we heard some rather good music and decided to check it out.
The band that was on stage and who had piqued my curiosity is called The Stars Here. Hailing from Waterloo, Patrick Finch, Chris Gardner, Graeme Pautler, Paddy Townsend and Mark Imola, bring their musical influences, such as The Band, Neil Young, and early Verve (and did I hear a little Allman Brothers?), to the stage in an entirely entertaining manner. There wasn’t much in the way of stage banter but you still got an engaging show that kept your interest and your toes tapping. There is no denying they have charisma on stage and a presence that you can’t ignore.
The crowd, which at first was small but later filled out, was attentive, very few seemed to be talking during the set. The music was raw but not loose, rather the band had a chemistry that kept them grounded. I’ve heard too many bands sound like they’ve never rehearsed or rehearsed too much with the result that they lose their way. This is not the cast with The Stars Here. They are talented musicians who trust each other on stage and trust their ability as songwriters. “Cocaine Pants” is a rollicking song that will have you up dancing, while “Sinking Ships” is just plain catchy.
The Stars Here have two CD’s with Doormat Records, Check The Wreckage and Fitzcarraldo, and will be releasing their third sometime early this year. They are definitely worth checking out, I know that I will be going to see them again when they come around and I suggest that you go too. If you like The Band, Neil Young, and early Verve mixed liberally with a dash of The Hellacopters then you will like The Stars Here.
You can listen to The Stars Here on CBC Radio 3: The Stars Here
Visit them on Myspace: The Stars Here
Tags: concert
