The Pains of Being Pure At Heart possess probably the most cumbersome band-name in history – and worse, there’s no easy contraction. A relief, then, that their propensity for long-windedness doesn’t carry over into their music. The NY shoegazers’ new EP, Higher Than the Stars, is short (weighing in at a modest 20:42) but undeniably one of the sweeter sounds of 2009.
Lead single ‘Higher Than the Stars’ is a beautifully nostalgic ode to first love, balancing glittering, anthemic synths against Kip Berman’s glossily melancholic vocals. ’103′ drowns that same voice in a layer of scuzz and a My Bloody Valentine guitar riff, and comes out with a vibe like Belle & Sebastian got hold of a distortion pedal. It’s an interesting sound, but compared to the polish of ‘Higher Than the Stars’ it ends up feeling manufactured.
‘Falling Over’ layers lonely-heart songwriting over a bouncy bassline and jangling guitar, but is weak in the chorus. The EP’s true highlight is Saint Etienne’s ethereal remix of ‘Higher Than the Stars’; slowly-pulsing bass and blurry vocals crafting an entirely new soundscape.
TPoBPAH aren’t ashamed of their own twee – rather, they embrace it, and when it works, it’s excellent. While Higher Than the Stars is at times damaged by inconsistency, it nonetheless possesses moments of utter bliss.
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Marcus Kernohan is the founder and editor-in-chief of Stereokill.net. Email him at 
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