With hemorrhage hearts and upbeat belt down melodies, The Stills [ ] make a notable comeback with their third album, "Oceans Will Rise."
When vocalists Tim Fletcher and David Hamelin sing tough guy warnings like "Don't lecture down to me," it's hard to take them seriously amongst the blissful swirl of guitars and drums during the album opener, "Don't Talk Down." The record may start with a callous attitude, but nigh of its lyrics tinct on heartache, regret and panic. The subject matter remains pretty dismal, spell the music usually keeps things breezy and uplifting, which isn't always a good thing here.
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Throughout "Oceans Will Rise," in that location is a sense that The Stills are grasping for their next hit-making chorus. They get closest with "I'm With You," an emotive, inspiring collage of spirited sounds that gloriously climax and folding. Rhythm-wise, the most interesting track is "Snakecharming the Masses." Using primitive, persistent drum pounding, this drifting tune reveals a darker, mysterious side of the indie pop rockers. Unmistakably U2-minded with bright, polished guitar celebrations and epic chorus force, "Being Here" is easy the most radio-ready tune. Then there's the jangly, fast-paced rock candy vibe of "Eastern Europe," which could have simply as easy been written by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.
"Oceans Will Rise" experiments with a variety of styles--pop-rock, shoegaze, indie rock, alloy and post-punk--but the isthmus tends to sound c. H. Best during the stripped down, simple songs that showcase passionate lyrics. The best example of this is the beautifully depressing "Everything I Build," during which Fletcher somberly sings: "I can quiet see the smoke/From my train tabu of town/Everything I build is break down." Another powerful air defined by its minimal art is "Statue of Sirens," a reflexion about putt away the past.
The Stills may make made their career on full, stylishly catchy tunes, but on "Oceans Will Rise," it's the gut-wrenching ballads that prove to be their finest moments.
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