They are three of the hot new bands of 2004 – but how to differentiate among the Thrills, the Kills and the Stills? All are beloved by critics. All are playing this month (the Thrills at this Tuesday, the Kills Jan. 29 and the Stills on Jan. 31 – all at the same venue). All are young, disheveled and good-looking. Here’s a quick guide to telling them apart.

THE STILLS

Who: Four guys from New York

Sounds like: Uptempo Joy Division

Opened for: Ryan Adams, Interpol, the Streets, the Rapture

Look: Williamsburg chic

Accolades: “Mope-rock never felt so good” (Blender)

Debut album: “Logic Will Break Your Heart”

Typical fan: Too cool for school

THE THRILLS

Who: Five Dubliners

Sound: Decidedly happy Banjo-tinged alt-country

Opened for: Rolling Stones, Morrissey

Look: Country meets grunge

Accolades: “Uplifting songs that are poignant” (L.A. Times)

Debut album: “So Much for the City”

Typical fan: On Zoloft

THE KILLS

Who: Curiously named duo VV and Hotel

Sound: Bluesy punk

Opened for: Le Tigre

Look: Mod meets New Wave

Accolades: “Dark kick-ass garage rock (RollingStone.com)

Debut album: “Keep on Your Mean Side”

Can’t miss single: “Fried My Little Brains”

Typical fan: Has complicated hair; hung over