The Stills :
Logic Will Break Your Heart
Vice / Atlantic Records

The Stills have been tipped as the latest 'bright young things' to emerge onto the soundwaves - all hail the saviours of music (haven't we heard this before?). Bearing in mind the current scene consists of Pop Idol and Fame Academy winners and losers, it wouldn't be hard for this Canadian four-piece to save us from what is undeniably a dry period for any serious music fan.

The 'it' sound at the moment seems to be a mellow semi-accoustic sound with a repetitive, yet not annoying, chorus. This format is doing the trick for Snow Patrol, Keane and Elbow. It would be fair to put a chunk of Logic Will Break Your Heart in this bracket; notably the striking Let's Roll, the tender Still In Love Song and closing showstopper Yesterday Never Tomorrows.
    There appears to be an element of healthy conflict throughout, from the harmonious and melodic opening track Lola Stars And Stripes to the darker and more moody Love And Death.
    The album's persona is almost schizophrenic; with the melody of Coldplay awkwardly merged with the darkness of Nick Cave and The Smiths. The contrast seems to jar at first, but with time it adds a certain quality to the album.

The bottom line is that too many of the songs lie in middle ground. Gender Bombs and Ready For It both have the 'good but not great' tag attached to them, which is fine if you want to sit on the allegorical fence to listen to your music. However, if you want to venture further away from the latest 'it' sound, The Stills aren't a reason to stay; with the exception of a refined 80s influence, there's nothing new here. We've already been there, done that and got The Smiths t-Shirt to prove it.

:: Paul Newbold