Stills Update

Why aren't the Stills more popular!? They ain't my favorite band, but they fit the formula for the next "indie band" to hit the mainstream. Actually, they fit that formula, uh ... like, 3 years ago when they released their debut LP, Logic Will Break Your Heart. I mean, even the title sounds like just the thing that the newest O.C. soundtrack should have on it. They've got that atmospheric edge that everyone loves now since Coldplay released their new album, and their live shows are definitely lots of fun. I was very impressed by their chops if nothing else! Their guitarist is ... really good!
Well, I was checking the Fader magazine blog, and came across a post which shared lots of new Stills info with all of us, so I decided to spread the word a little more (but I also just wanted something to write about ... )
So, here's some of the news ... read on to find out more:

* Newly evolved line-up
* Early tour to play out new material
* Album nearly complete to come out in 2006

The Stills have been recording their follow up to 2003's popular Logic Will Break Your Heart and will head off on a Canadian tour in September to play the new material, complete with two new members, one less member and a singing drummer that plays guitar. Confused? See below for details.

After being in the studio for months recording the new material, the Stills have decided to take the new music on the road to test it out. The band is filled with a new energy, as the new songs have taken them in a more mature and imaginative direction. They'll also be touring with various friends of theirs (The Arts & Crafts Label and Broken Social Scene side projects: Jason Collett, Apostle Of Hustle, Most Serene Republic. They will also be doing a number of dates supporting Sloan at Canadian colleges.) for the duration of this tour. As for the line up changes, Dave Hamelin, who played drums previously in the Stills, has always been the main songwriter for the band and has stepped out from behind the drumkit to share vocal and guitar duties with Tim Fletcher. Greg Paquet (the other previous guitarist) has decided to leave the group for the time being (an amicable split, no drama). Collin Brooks (ex Sea Ray) will replace Hamelin on drums for this tour, and Liam O'Neill (who had played keyboards on tour) is now a full time member of the band.