The opening scene of the Season 4 premiere chronicles the aftermath of a tragedy and how Marissa's friends and family were — or weren't — coping with her death. It's an especially dark time for Ryan and Julie, who are haunted by their memories and regrets. This powerful opener called for a song to match the intensity and mood of the scene.

That perfect match was found in "Running Up That Hill," a prime example of the striking sound of veteran rockers Placebo. While the song is a cover of a Kate Bush classic, Placebo put their own dark spin on it. For the last decade, the UK band has specialized in creating powerful, guitar-driven rock, that — due in large part to singer Brian Molko's unique voice — remains fresh and instantly recognizable in a sometimes-saturated genre.

Influenced both by the new direction and raw sound of bands such as Sonic Youth, the Pixies and Nirvana and the refined power of a variety of 1970s glam rock acts, Placebo released its eponymous debut in 1996. While garnering early critical success, the band gained international stardom two years later with the release of Without You I'm Nothing. But their fans span beyond the crowds who fill the arenas: Onstage guest appearances include The Cure's Robert Smith and the Pixies' Frank Black, and David Bowie personally invited the band to play his 50th birthday party at Madison Square Garden.

While songs from earlier albums often examined band members' sexuality and referenced arguably excessive lifestyles, the most recent album, Meds, ventures into new territory. Already a critical and commercial success in the US, UK and Australia, the band is poised to gain new devotees while delivering the goods to fans who have supported them since the beginning.