Montreal-based orchestral synth-poppers Stars may not be well known here, but they've been making beautifully crafted alt-pop music for a decade, with The North their sixth album.
Their catchy, romantic, synth-based tunes with big nostalgic melodies and slightly twee boy-girl lyrics, somehow walk the line between mainstream and indie with ease, and songs like Hold On When You Get Love ... has the instant ear-grabbing quality of a hit.
They occasionally stray into saccharine territory, particularly on Through The Mines where the breathy, high vocals feel overwhelming, but mostly they mix dance-oriented beats with lilting vocals, synth washes, swinging guitars and a touch of 80s inspiration to great effect.
