Oceans Will Rise

iTunes Review

This Montreal-based quartet has struggled with their identity. Young and impressionable, with their 2003 debut album, Logic Will Break Your Heart, they loved Joy Division. For album two, 2006’s Without Feathers, they reached towards roots-oriented heartland rock. In 2008, the Stills channel U2 and the grandiose anthems and aural caverns that come with a band looking to get out the message. Which is, as the title of their 2008 album implies, about climate change. “Snow In California” uses tricky electronics and earnest wailing against this man-instigated onslaught, while “Snakecharming the Masses” wraps itself in a molten-guitar-heavy grind that works up against the otherworldly vocal chants to create a tense and disorienting atmosphere. With such grandiosity abounding, “Panic” lopes with an agreeably pulled back attack that recalls the easeful melodies of Travis. “Being Here” serves as a welcomed modest stroke that pushes forth with a simple guitar attack, a seductive keyboard break and a firm vocal hook from singer Tim Fletcher that makes the strongest statement of all.