Stars' New Album: Love, War, and Theatrical Dread

Canadian indie pop band Stars has released its fourth album, "Set Yourself on Fire," digitally before its physical release. The album, available late September, creatively tackles themes of love and war, portraying modern relationships as fraught with confusion, anxiety, and dread.

The band's signature focus on relationship intricacies is present, but this new work expands its scope with a more theatrical presentation. Lead singer Torquil Campbell, with his acting background, infuses his performances with dramatic flair, sometimes leading to over-the-top deliveries, as seen in "Take Me to the Riot."

Co-lead Amy Millan often proves more subtly dramatic, shining on both solo tracks like "My Favourite Book" and duets. Songs like "Bitches in Tokyo" showcase her talent for conveying raw emotion with infectious girl-group rhythms. While some tracks, such as "Life 2: The Unhappy Ending," falter, the album overall offers a high-gloss pop experience.

Thematically, the album explores the push and pull of passion and intimacy, with lyrics often skirting direct declarations of love. This approach, refined over their career, continues to define Stars' distinct musical narrative, blending personal longing with broader societal anxieties.