The Stills & Dog Day Horseshoe Tavern August 19, 2008

It's hard to believe that high-profile bands still play free shows, but here as proof were Montreal's Stills, throwing a one-off party to celebrate the release of their latest, Oceans Will Rise.

Stylistically, the album is a step backwards to their Logic Will Break Your Heart days (prompted, one assumes, by a ridiculously unwarranted lashing of Without Feathers by rock critics) but it's readily evident that as a performing band, The Stills are moving forward.

Things were a little tenuous in the early stages of their bandhood - their drummer and singer switching places between discs - but they seem to have settled into a nice groove. At a Lee's Palace gig just a year earlier (where they first showcased some of Ocean's songs), the sound was off and most of the band's membership seemed mesmerized or hesitant on-stage. Their Horseshoe show was decidedly opposite and their newest songs, like "Being Here," were positively explosive.

Halifax indie rockers Dog Day were scheduled in the starting spot but ended up following The Stills in a perplexing (and ultimately undesirable for them) lineup switch. There were barely two dozen people in attendance by the time they finally took the stage (the bar had been packed to capacity for The Stills). Dog Day's Night Group debut was one of 2007's best discs but that album's playful and brainy energy is nearly completely missing from the band's live show. It was by no means a bad performance, but it's clear Dog Day could be a lot better if they put some considerable effort into practicing.

(4/5)