Killing you gently

As a band name, Popstar Assassins is a little disingenuous. Because these Seattle guys certainly have popstar potential (in the indie sense, naturally), yet aren't gonna slay anyone with their unthreatening, ear-friendly sound. The obvious corollary is The Shins, though Popstar Assassins' song structures are probably a little more traditional (strictly verse-chorus-verse) and they rock harder and noisier. I also hear The Smiths, particularly in those affected--sincerely affected--vocals. (It's like that line from Breakfast at Tiffany's, "She's a phony, but she's a real phony.") I can't find specifics on who the Popstar Assassins players are, leading me to believe this is a one-man DIY band with friends who play backup when required.

Their latest album, Moderne, is available at Insound.

Symbols/Shelter (mp3) - Popstar Assassins

Goodbye (mp3) - Popstar Assassins

Transcontinental (mp3) - Popstar Assassins

Panic (mp3) - The Smiths