Yet another Canadian band, considered by some better than "Arcade Fire", are enjoying a meteoric rise. They are the Montreal 5-piece "The Stars", described as 'soft militant' for their catchy tunes mixed with a social conscience. They play "The Village", Dublin next Tuesday 13th December. Pat McGee, member, interviewed by the "Dublin Event Guide", says: "We love the fact that our music is beautiful and gentle, with a searing darkness. The Smiths are my favourite band of all time and others think that they are depressing, but I think they are uplifting and wonderful and I think they are political too and talk about the state of nations, but state of people - we try and do the same".