The Stills

Now that they’ve made the move to indie favourite Arts & Crafts, Montreal’s the Stills have found a way to merge the brilliant dance rock of Logic Will Break Your Heart with the best parts of 2006’s more melodic-sounding Without Feathers. And it’s obvious that evolution was on the brain when the five-piece wrote the transitional Oceans Will Rise. "Snow in California” might sound like an absurd concept but with lyrics that speak of the changing world (global warming, anyone?), the Stills end up making valid social commentary while keeping the music where it should be: at the forefront. And while it might sound reminiscent of their past, Oceans Will Rise isn’t stuck there. With its constant, infectious, rolling beat and wailing chorus vocals, "Snakecharming the Masses” is what pushes this record into an entirely new musical realm. If they haven’t already, the Stills should be able to charm you into being a fan with this one.