The North
by Stars
  • Record Label: ATO
  • Release Date: Sep 4, 2012
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
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  1. PopMatters
    Sep 12, 2012
    60
    On The North, the band does much better [than on previous album, The Five Ghosts] at forcing its concerns through the filter of big emotion, yet it's still plagued by some of the same tasteful understatement.
  2. Mojo
    Dec 17, 2012
    40
    The North feels like a shuffle back into soft focus. [Jan 2013, p.98]
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  3. Q Magazine
    Dec 11, 2012
    60
    Fans of Prefab Sprout, The Go-Betweens and Saint Etienne could do a lot worse than give their cerebral Canadian counterparts a go. [Jan 2013, p.110]
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  5. Slant Magazine
    Sep 4, 2012
    50
    The North's ultimate undoing isn't that it exudes so much schmaltziness, but that it sounds awkwardly and almost unconsciously dated, similar to the most recent offerings from indie-pop rockers Minus the Bear and Cold War.
  6. Magnet
    Oct 4, 2012
    60
    Though not everything in the limper, bloatier back half hits the mark, they're mostly aiming in the right direction. [No.91 p.59]
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  7. Delusions of Adequacy
    Sep 13, 2012
    60
    The North continues to show off their skill and while nothing earth-shattering will be found here, it's something to fully bask in.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. axelkoch
    Dec 24, 2012
    8
    Stars are a very talented group of musicians and they prove it again this time. A variety of indie rock songs and they've all got very goodStars are a very talented group of musicians and they prove it again this time. A variety of indie rock songs and they've all got very good lyrics. The first half isn't as entertaining as the 2nd one and all in all it was somehow too stained. Anways, this is a album you have to hear because it's just so chilling, whether the song is happy or sad. They can do better, but this is definitely one of their best releases yet.… Full Review »
  2. Shteevie
    Sep 10, 2012
    9
    Some songs have very strong influences coming through - New Order specifically at times, for instance, but all in all, another solid effort.Some songs have very strong influences coming through - New Order specifically at times, for instance, but all in all, another solid effort. Not as emotionally fierce as "Set Yourself on Fire" or as strongly themed as "The Five Ghosts," but the album has enough variety, sweeping instrument sounds, and poignant moments to please Stars fans recent or long-standing.… Full Review »
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