Dubstar : Releases >>
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Disgraceful >>
Dubstar operated in the same terrain as The Beautiful South and Morrissey--there's a very flat sense of Northern melancholy about them, all high rises and low self-esteem. This is especially so on "Not So Manic Now" about a girl unable to leave her flat since she was assaulted and "Just A Girl She Said", a cold study of an emotionally abusive sexual relationship delivered in authentically numb tones by Halifax-born vocalist Sarah Blackwood. Whereas The Beautiful South revel in semi-detached greyness, however, and Morrissey is prone to lyrically provocative gestures, Dubstar match the deadpan restraint of their lyrics with a sparkling techno-indie soundtrack, courtesy of Chris Wilkie's janglepop guitar and programmer Steve Wilkie's layers of synthesizer. The sumptuous "Stars" and ska-flecked "Elevator Song" in particular hint at a backdrop of teasing glamour and neon lights against which disappointingly ordinary lives are led. --David Stubbs
Make It Better >>
On Make It Better, Dubstar's third album, Newcastle masters of pop sound refreshed, lacing their sound with a new rhythmic drive. Steve Hillier (programming) and Chris Wilkie (guitar) create Saint Etienne-style beat pop, replete with lush harmonies and gentle electronica, while singer Sarah Blackwood (she of the double false eyelashes) sings pointed, perky lyrics about sex and the single girl. There's the optimistic Kirsty MacColl-ish single "I (Friday Night)", and the punky ode to low self-esteem "I'm Conscious Of Myself". It's not all pithy thoughts on romance, however. Dubstar even tackle communal suicide and mass destruction (phew!) on "Arc Of Fire" and astral travel on the intriguing, percussive track "Mercury". After a few years in the doldrums, this is a return to form. --Lucy O'Brien
Stars - The Best of... >>
Goodbye >>
Not So Manic Now [CD 2] >>
Anywhere >>
Not So Manic Now [CD 1] >>
Cathedral Park >>
Disgraceful >>
Stars [CD 1] >>