January 22, 2006

Hotline: The Sterns prove to be a class act

The Sterns are coming to a classroom near you.
In the middle of a quick six-date tour through the Midwest two weeks ago, the band took a break from pubs and clubs to throw down at Chicago's DePaul University. But it wasn't in the student union or theater hall - it was in a regular ol' classroom.
"We excel when we're freed from the confines of a proper stage," Chris Stern told the Herald this week.
That's not to say the band doesn't bring it while on elevated platforms.
Chicago and Detroit have warmed up immensely to Boston's jangle-pop savants, and the band also made stops in Brooklyn and Pennsylvania.
"For whatever reason, we get a lot of love from Chicago, and the shows are amazing," Stern said. As for the Detroit show at the Lager House, Stern added, "We played the club over the summer and it was kind of a horror story, but this time the place was packed and we killed."
The band is heading back out for nine dates in February, including a local Feb. 21 gig at Great Scott for the Glass Set's album release party and an all-ages show in Melrose three days later.
Building a reputation with a glistening indie-pop sound that draws on the English Beat, The Smiths and Belle & Sebastian, the Sterns are playing relentlessly in preparation for the national release of its new disc, "Sinners Stick Together." Though currently available via the band's Web site, it'll be re-released through Boston's Omnirox Entertainment on March 13.
Good timing, as the Sterns have four SXSW gigs lined up later that week. So far, no classrooms are on the itinerary.

The Sterns