Switch to the mobile version of this page.

Creative Loafing Charlotte

« Drive-By Truckers set for two-night… | Leela James at Tempo tonight (8/17/… »

Friday, August 17, 2012

Cement Stars at Snug Harbor tonight (8/17/2012)

Posted by Pat Moran on Fri, Aug 17, 2012 at 8:25 AM

CEMENT STARS This Charlotte combo started as a bedroom-based, lo-fi recording duo enthralled with the buzzy electronics and dense textures of ’80s post-punk and New Wave. Brothers Shaun and Bryan Olson have since expanded to a five-piece, making room for driving drumbeats and synth player Enid Valu’s gauzy vocals. The chilly John Foxx—style synth drones that dominated the Olson’s debut EP remain, but they are joined by melodic New Order-like bass and dual, moody, Chameleons-like guitar. To their credit, Cement Stars expand on their compelling influences, adding prickly, cold atmospherics reminiscent of Portishead in the service of Bryan’s impressionistic lyrics. With textures thick enough to slice with a knife, the Cement Stars wisely use them as a spectral backdrop rather than a sludgy wall between band and listener. A shoegaze haze still permeates the pensive, off-kilter melodies, but the songs are anchored by Shaun’s precise and forceful percussion. It’s the source of Cement Stars’ uneasy appeal that they manage to remain grounded while their floating vocals merge like spirits in the night. With Modern Man, Little Bull Lee and Chemical Peel. $5. Aug. 17, 9 p.m. Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. 704-333-9799.

Tags: Cement Stars, Pat Moran, Charlotte, music, concert, Snug Harbor

Tweet
Pin It

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this thread:

By Email

With RSS

Latest in Vibes

Former Earl Greyhound bassist Kamara Thomas takes a solo turn

The singer/songwriter drops a country-rock gem.
- by Mark Kemp | 01.23.13
City officials set sights on restaurants, bars... again 1

Planning Department holding meetings on the entertainment taking place inside Charlotte establishments.
- by Jeff Hahne | 01.22.13
Frank Ocean tops Village Voice Pazz & Jop poll

Annual critics list creates requisite buzz
- by Mark Kemp | 01.22.13
More »

More by Pat Moran

Diana Krall playing Ovens Auditorium tonight (4/7/13)

With her coolly distant but seductive vocals and virtuosic piano playing, Diana Krall resurrected classic jazz as a commercial force.
- by Pat Moran | 04.07.13
Live review: English Beat, Chop Shop (4/26/2013)

Expectations of a professional by-the-numbers run-through of the Beat's iconic canon only partially confirmed.
- by Pat Moran | 04.29.13
More »