Still Life Still

Clearly much has happened to Toronto, ON pop-rock quintet Still Life Still in the four years between first LP Girls Come Too and its follow-up. Whereas their 2009 debut came off as a guiltless, sex-fuelled romp, Mourning Trance shows signs of maturity, both lyrically and sonically, undoubtedly influenced in part by the passing of three of the musicians' family members. Opening track "Burial Suit" is a slow-burner, and the change in pace allows for a more passionate, earnest performance, as if the band discovered romance, in addition to their debut's pure physicality. This isn't to say their penchant for danceable, hooky pop is absent — those elements are alive and kicking in songs such as "Dancing Spines," "In Enemies" and "Revolving Doors." However, the tunes occasionally dare to take a darker turn, to great success, forged from the acknowledgment of consequences for one's actions, while still stockpiled with catchy guitar licks and repetitive choruses. Trading in sexual bluntness for metaphors, Still Life Still have done some growing up in the past few years, and this maturity has had a positive impact on their sound.