Silver Starling — Silver Starling

Montreal's Silver Starling was started by Stars, Torngat and Arcade Fire collaborator Marcus Paquin.

Paquin's voice is more than a little similar to Win Butler's, and as a result, much of this disc sounds similar to certain Arcade Fire songs. There is, however, an urgency in the band's low end that isn't present in the Arcade Fire's music. This bass and drum focus likely comes from Paquin's bandmate, Liam O'Neil, formerly of Young Galaxy.

The album's press release suggests Silver Starling can be described as Jeff Buckley meets Bill Frisell meets The Beatles, but that assessment seems off-base. Aside from Arcade Fire, Silver Starling share many qualities with The Diableros.

Second track, "Caught In Your Glow," with its string-heavy refrains and irresistibly sweet guitar licks, is definitely the album's highlight. Mid-album bouncer "Ghosts" is an interesting diversion that sees the five-piece sounding a lot like Toronto's Zeus.

Despite of all the present (and no doubt future) comparisons, Paquin and company aren't Arcade fire wannabes. They're carving a distinctive enough path that there's room in Canada for both bands.

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