Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
What can you expect from a young a band who had to both self-record and self-release their latest EP? Not something quite this enjoyable, I’m sure. Hailing from the wonderful city of Dallas, TX, young five-piece band Stellamaris carries with their soft sound some big ideas and a bright future.
Though the ride on the Stellarmaris wave is short, it’s a sweet one at that. The disc’s foundation is built chiefly upon the interplay and exchange of the band’s melancholic piano compositions and acoustic arrangements. However, the band does a great job of dressing up their dulcet tones with melodic, sauntering guitar lines and an effectual use of reverb.
Though the EP’s harder hitting electrically-based first track ironically puts my aforementioned commentary to shame, the rest of disc’s tracks stay pretty true to form. “Strangers”, the perceived single, even includes an ephemeral little string arrangement that only elevates the disc’s already subtly beautiful disposition.
While not much can be elaborated upon, I find myself more than willing to keep up with this band and all their current and future endeavors. Big love, boys, big love.
- Liz Jones - EmotionalPunk.com
With vocals that sound stripped from a Radiohead b-side, Stellamaris is a off to a terrific start with their self-titled EP’s opener “Waking Up”. Tinges of tight indie pop are neatly packaged into a box that is also filled with anthem-worthy guitar choruses and pop bubbles of piano that sound like shredded paperwork from a Pink Floyd accountant. Incredible musicians are spotlighted throughout this self-financed EP, which found the band enlisting their friends to help round out the multiplicity of instruments that they required to round out the songs. Mastered by Michael Fossenkemper whose past work with Grandaddy, Matisyahu, and The Rocket Summer have started to make his a name that isn’t just a blip on the proverbial radar, this indie rock EP is sure to make Stellamaris a band that everyone will enjoy.
- J-Sin - Smother Magazine
Full sound, stirring melody, genuine ingenuity, and lyrical poise. Stellamaris knows how to deliver a treat, even if it is a small one. Their six song, newly released, self titled EP presents a kinder, gentler indie rock, sustained by the sturdy backbone of electric guitar that is not afraid to wail. A youthful honesty that seems more like wisdom drives their sound. The mood is thoughtful, not quiet reminiscent.
Nathan Pettijohn, lead vocalist, wails and whispers like he means it. He has a grasp on realities we common folk tend to overlook as we become absorbed in everyday life. He states it nice and simple for us, "We all change; the only thing we've got for now is love." Soul streams out like it's another instrument in the band. Strings and piano back up the intensity of well-placed crescendos built up by the five-piece band. The big sound of the band's live show was not lost in recording. The production style fits the flow of Stellamaris' style impeccably. All tracks were recorded in drummer Alex Bhore's bedroom.
With quality lyrics, tight sound, and youthful charm, the only thing this band has going against the, is that they are based in Dallas. They frequently play there at the Gypsy Tea Room, Curtain Club and The Cavern. In addition to this EP, the band has played a few festivals part of the ASCAP/MySpace showcase in Dallas since the February 2005 release of their full album, The City Turns Everything Electric. Their authentic and unadulterated talent, however, has yet to break into the Austin scene.
- C. Amber Pearce - Soundcheck Magazine (Austin, TX)
Discography
"Self-Titled EP" - 2006
"The City Turns Everything Electric" - 2005
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Two years in the making, Stellamaris continues to mature, finding inspiration and creating music that moves both their listeners and themselves. Their most recent effort, a self-titled EP, was demoed in Alex's bedroom and recorded in his living and dining rooms. Financing, recording and producing the EP on their own, they enlisted the help of talented friends horn players, percussionists, string players, etc. to contribute. Mastered by Michael Fossenkemper (Grandaddy, Matisyahu, The Rocket Summer), it is a concise yet sweeping work, pinning down the last 10 months of writing and touring together.
In support of their first self-released record, "The City Turns Everything Electric" (February 2005), the band booked many shows both nationally and locally, and have shared the stage with respectable artists such as The Octopus Project, Lovedrug, Pilotdrift and Dios Malos. The summer of 2005 found Stellamaris playing everywhere from Texas to New York on a two-month tour which included an appearance in the New Band Showcase at the invitation of the Cornerstone Festival (IL).
This year they were invited to play both the ASCAP/Myspace Dallas Showcase in February and the main stage at Wall of Sound Festival in April. Stellamaris continues touring out-of-state and building a loyal local following, frequenting Dallas-area venues such as Gypsy Tea Room, Curtain Club and The Cavern.
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