The Dears

Montreal-based indie outfit the Dears' emotive take on classic U.K. indie music struggled to make an impact outside of their native Canada until the label Bella Union--run by ex-Cocteau Twin Robin Guthrie--released their second album, NO CITIES LEFT, in 2004. The album earned favourable comparisons to Blur, Joy Division, and particularly the Smiths. As a result, the band was invited to support their idol, Morrissey, on his 2006 tour. Later that year the Dears released their third album, GANG OF LOSERS, to critical acclaim. The album revealed a broadening of their sonic palette, with greater emphasis given to synthesizers and electronic textures.

• rock