Logic Will Break Your Heart is intended to be played backwards, from the last track to the first – or maybe the other way around. Or could it be that all the songs of the debut release from The Stills are equally strong, that each of the twelve tracks seem to get better, even when entering the usually desolate ten, eleven and twelve track land?
Taking the remnants of mope rock from across the sea and the minimalist gloom-pop of New Wave “the” bands, Montreal’s The Stills distinguish themselves from the tribe, with sticky arrangements that resonate quite earnestly. Embellishing wishy-washy guitars and dreamy vocals, there is a sincere appeal to the Stills’ sound which pleads for you to listen closely. And without the aid of fashion or glamour, all you can do is listen. The album cover provides no pictures of the band, set only with a dreary black façade, proving The Stills are riding the other side of the “cool” bandwagon.
“Still in Love Song” stammers with delicate yearnings, but with mischievous guitars, turning the intoxicating effort part Budweiser and part Grey Goose. “Changes are No Good” is a melodic pop rock cloud, permeating with sustainable lyrics, and indulgent twang guitar leads. And the closer, the aptly named, “Yesterday Never Tomorrows,” trembles with a static noise collaboration, evolving into a full on new-wave dance party, with snappy beats and cute keyboard fills, sending the song into a lush guitar chord finale.
The Stills, may be Canada’s answer to Interpol, or maybe it’s just the other way around.
