Oh I get worried when PR material emphasises that a band is loved by the Natalie Portmans of this world. My heart sinks when I read that a band has re-invented pop… Ultimately one has to ignore the hype, listen and assess on the merits of the record.

The first track, Sleeping Lessons, is a great opening gambit, in fact so good I’m seriously considering using to open our new Shakenstir radio show here in Wrexham. Distant electronic sounds and vocal grab the attention, followed by a gorgeous spell of guitar that finally opens out into a rock rush of magnificent proportions. Great melody and production make this a stand-out track and a potential single. Australia almost sustains the quality as it bounces along in very radio-friendly, rock-pop style with attention grabbing choruses. Pretty good. Tarantino style guitar opens a more interesting and original song in Pam Berry. It’s a medium paced pop track with an up-dated Beach Boys sound and equally strong melody. The vocal wanders high and higher with harmonies adding extra interest. This is another potential single. Phantom Limb slows the pace slightly and is underscored with a heavy bass vibe, while serving to add diversity. Skipping to track 7 Turn On Me I’m reminded of the Righteous Brothers’ ‘You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling’ opening and works well in the context of the very good song that develops – a little rockier, a little darker. The second half of the album loses some of its initial shine but I’ll acknowledge that The Shins, while not re-inventing pop, have created something that expands its bounds - with some good old fashioned touches (final track A Comet Appears has more than a hint of Simon & Garfunkel). The album takes little effort to like, has no dud songs, and even gets stronger with more plays. I look forward to seeing the guys perform live when they come over from the States in March/April 2007.

4/5