Stella Luna is a shoegaze / space rock band from Jacksonville, Florida, United States, formed in 1997 under the name Starbell. The group is comprised of Susan Hanson (guitar, vocals), Devon Smith (guitar, vocals), Rhonda Roberts (bass), Jennifer Sterling (keyboards) and Darin Fitzpatrick (drums). Their influences stem… Read moreShow less
Stella Luna is a shoegaze / space rock band from Jacksonville, Florida, United States, formed in 1997 under the name Starbell. The group is comprised of Susan Hanson (guitar, vocals), Devon Smith (guitar, vocals), Rhonda Roberts (bass), Jennifer Sterling (keyboards) and Darin Fitzpatrick (drums). Their influences stem from the gauzy beauty of My Bloody Valentine and Siddal to the hazy daydream trip of Sonic Youth.
They inked a deal with Clairecords in early 2002 and released the "Stargazer" EP later that summer. It was recorded entirely analog to tape through all vintage recording equipment, using only tube gear, tube mics, and vintage amplifiers to achieve a very big - warm expanse of sound. A non-stop voyage from the shattering opener "Change" and intensely cinematic "Stargazer" to the swirling, organ-like Leslie guitar tones of the sci-fi "Antares" and the climaxing album closer - "A Bridge to Nowhere". The sounds heard on "Stargazer" via understated drums, percolating analog synths, wildly-effected guitars and the layered vocal bliss of Hanson and Smith all combine to create a feel for the future, one of space, and of beauty.
