Stars [Myspace] is a band from Montréal that uses heaping helpings of romantic/revolutionary themes in every one of their songs. It’s an effect that has left them as one of the few indie bands whose lyrics actually matter; it also makes them seem a little lame sometimes. Following last years’ In Our Bedroom After The War, Stars issued this EP for their new tour, entitled Sad Robots EP. It’s a 6-song collection that manages to touch on every facet of Stars’ arsenal: bombastic love songs about lost youth, long instrumental numbers begging to be added to movie soundtracks, and genuinely heartfelt lyrics.

“Sad Robot” is a short, French song that acts as little more than an introduction. “Going Going Gone” is a live rendition of one of their b-sides, and illustrates their fine line between messy romance and electronic subtleties. “Undertow” does more of the same, but falls short on delivery as it goes nearly nowhere. The best Stars songs are those that tell a story of some kind. In this respect, two songs stand out as keepers, and one of them is possibly the best song Stars has ever done.

“A Thread Cut with a Carving Knife” builds wonderfully with drums and singer Torquil’s somber recollections. It crescendos several times in an all-instrument attack. It’s a great little piece of noise-pop. But “14 Forever” is the jewel of this collection. Easily one of their best pieces, “14 Forever” is pure nostalgia. “And if sometimes the kids seem a little sad/it’s because they say goodbye to the youth they think they had,” Torquil sings, echoing the desire to be in a permanent adolescence. It’s an absolutely amazing song and should usher in the last year of the decade of adult denial quite well.

“Sad Robot” [mp3]

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