The Stills

The Stills stumped everyone with their recent sophomore effort, Without Feathers. The Montreal five-piece not only passed the mic to drummer-turned-guitarist Dave Hamelin but also changed its sound completely. When a band reinvents itself, it typically spells trouble (see the Dandy Warhols, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Death Lurks), but the Stills have earned sweet returns. The postpunk moodiness that once kept the band in Interpol’s shadow is now a sunnier blend of classic rock and pop. Displeasing to some, sure, but even the most jaded fan can’t help but wonder how the two sides of the band’s sound will merge onstage.