Stars shine bright at Music Hall

There’s nothing better than a triple-bill of Canadian musical talent, and that’s what the King’s University College Students’  Council offered up to students on Thursday night at the London Music Hall.

Up-and-coming Toronto band The Balconies started the night off, followed by established Canadian groups Bedouin Soundclash and Stars.

Bedouin Soundclash’s Jay Malinowski’s raspy vocals had the crowd, especially the female portion, jamming to the band’s reggae-inspired tunes including a mash-up of “Stand By Me” and “When The Night Feels My Song.”

Stars played an extensive set and serenaded the crowd—which had dwindled slightly—by scattering rose petals into the audience. With upbeat performances of “We Don’t Want Your Body” and “Fixed,” the band had the most enthusiastic audience members dancing, and the rest swaying to the beat. Fans sang along to “Dead Hearts,” off the band’s 2010 album The Five Ghosts, and to their most well-known song “Your Ex-Lover is Dead.”

Stars’ performance was made memorable by their ability to sound better live than on their albums, and the band’s undeniable on-stage chemistry. Amy Millan’s saccharine voice is just as sweet and captivating as on their recordings, and male vocal lead Torquil Campbell engaged the audience. The two lead singers also played off one another, making it clear they not only love what they do, but have been at it for awhile.

Although it would have been nice if there had been a larger crowd for Stars’ set, it was obvious that those who stuck around were true fans of the music.