The Stills

The Stills will inevitably be compared to Joy Division and Echo & the Bunnymen as long as they continue making songs like "Still in Love Song." The Montreal-born foursome find themselves crafting a modern sound derivative of '80s post-punk on their debut release, Rememberese, and it's lovelorn and romantic in all the right spots. This four-song EP is a nice introduction to the band's lush, dream pop-inspired stylings and a decent prequel to their studio full-length. Frontman Tim Fletcher is a vocal darling, particularly on the gorgeously designed "Still in Love Song." "Killer Bees" is equally tantalizing with its structured, dark melodies. The rattling guitars of Greg Paquet carry this divine romancer, while drummer Dave Hamelin shows his sentimental side on the gauzy number "Talk to Me." The Stills aren't aiming to fit into the fashionably cool N.Y.C. scene, and despite them being praised by Interpol, they don't want to be categorized as sound-alikes either. The Stills will have to work a little harder if they want to prove everyone otherwise, but Rememberese is definitely on the right track. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide