The moniker for multi-instrumentalist/producer Todd Gautreau, Crushed Stars specializes in quiet, literate pop influenced by everyone from Burt Bacharach to the Sea and Cake. Previously, Gautreau had focused on Brian Eno and Steve Reich-inspired electronica, working under the names Sonogram and Tear Ceremony. However, by the end of the '90s, he felt that delicate, melodic music was a much-needed antidote to the loud, grungy sound of the times. Gautreau released the first Crushed Stars album, Self Navigation, in 2001. After signing to Arena Rock Recording Company, Gautreau's second Crushed Stars album, Obsolescence, arrived in 2006. Crushed Stars moved to Simulacra Records for 2007's Gossamer Days and 2010's Convalescing in Braille. Arriving in 2014, the idyllic Farewell Young Lovers saw Gautreau expanding his sound with the addition of a full-time drummer, and 2017's Displaced Sleepers featured contributions from Jeff Ryan (War on Drugs, St. Vincent), Matt Pence (Shearwater, Midlake), and Stuart Sikes (Cat Power, Modest Mouse). ~ Heather Phares