when i say i’ve been meaning to write about this song for a long time, i mean i’ve been meaning to write about it for a long time. i planned to write about this song four months ago and somehow, for 16 weeks, i forgot to write about this song, and i only remembered it after i listened to hum’s 1995 album, you’d prefer an astronaut, just this friday.
first off: “Stars” is heavy! hum was a nerdy band that made songs about space- which is why they’re considered space rock, whatever that really means. like gothic rock, space rock seems to be another highly specific genre that depends a lot on the lyrics. but you can’t tell me that distorted, low riff and chugging solo isn’t metal or metal-inspired.
“Stars” is a pretty energetic, aggressive track, but in spite of itself, it’s very melancholic. matt talbott’s vocals are somewhat monotone and apathetic, in sharp contrast to the guitars, but the lyrics about loss and heartbreak seem to suggest a deep guilt. the guitars are lush and atmospheric, and evoke feelings of both cosmic vastness and a deep wistfulness. in the solo, the guitars sound like they’re crying, as if they were stuck in the thick expanse of their own heads.
give it a listen if you haven’t already! 🙂
q-street 