Absolute Radio: Discover real music

Nobody is going to be looking back on this first outing as a classic. Superb musical ability is not enough to convince, the band have an ear for a pleasing melody but only for the *one* pleasing melody - everything is too similar, too much of a 1980s 'Curiosity Killed The Cat' homage. They need to find more variety in their style, it's as if each member of the team has a fixed view of their place within it and that none are willing to budge from that tightly defined spot. The result is that the whole thing becomes hard work by the time the third identical track in a row comes round. Played in the background at a party? Fine. As an album to spin again and again? Nah.

Rating: 3 out of 5

The first time i listened to this i thought it was a bit mish-mashed but after a number of times and once you get over the random expletives at the beginning of track 1, the album becomes very enjoyable.

The way I would describe this music would be funky indie. The music has a nice vibe, well played guitar and a quite groovy baseline. These are complimented well with some cool vocals and an excellent feel good sound.

The 80s feel takes you back a little bit with some sounds reminding me of Ah Ha. Not all tracks are the same though which brings a nice and refreshing mix of musical rock styles. It's all soft, fairly smooth and really nice to listen to.

Rating: 5 out of 5

I don't care what some of the other reviewers are saying these guys are really good!

The album is not a 5 star, but it is a 4 star album. The sound is very much (if you have played the game) a Burnout kind of sound.

Very much American indie, a bit Blink 182, but that's not a bad thing unless you don't like that sound.

Give them a listen you may find you like them.

Rating: 4 out of 5

This is a debut full LP release from an american band, who draw their influences from The Strokes and have toured with Sonic Youth and Jet.

The intro is explicit, seemed a bit unnecessary, but the funky She's Expensive is uplifting and easy to nod your head to. The vocals are reminiscent of the clash and other 80s guitar bands.

The highlights are Rich Girls and Private Affair, well crafted, if not groundbreaking tunes. Recommended.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Good though this album is, it wears its influences rather prominently on its sleeve. So much so that some of the songs sound like covers of other songs. There's a huge Bowie influence on the album, plus many other 70s rock bands and also some of the 90s lot. If you like your rock to be pop then you'll probably like it, but i was a bit disappointed.

Rating: 3 out of 5