Memphis

If Amy Millan’s solo work makes you wonder where all of Stars’ dreamy pop went, you’ll find the answer in Memphis’ new Here Comes A City. Memphis is the name that Chris Dumont and Stars singer Torquil Campbell have recorded under since 2002, and their third full-length carries a torch for the hushed, up-tempo pop that threatened to go out of style when the Australian indie-rock greats broke up in 2006. City strikes the right balance of lyrical weight and drifting, otherworldly atmospherics, particularly on the rolling, expansive “Apocalypse Pop Song” and the catchy, finger-snapping “Wait!” It’s clear Memphis isn’t interested in just making relaxed, lush acoustic pop songs, but when it does, it’s a beautiful thing. 

Updated 04/06/2011