I’ve never heard of this Stateside band and I’ll probably never see them perform live. But this record is wonderful and, at least partially, is influenced by a band we all know called Radiohead.

Opening track The Disappearing Line even sounds like Radiohead, and perhaps represents the simpler musical route that Radiohead should take next time around. A gentle, wandering piano with subtle percussive sounds accompany an expressive and young-sounding vocal from Ryan Rupprecht. There’s a superb melody, beautiful lyrics, and all underpinned by a deeply moving and haunting vibe. The song blends into the next track Athena that is so similar to the first that you’d think it was a continuation. The giveaway is the introduction of Ryan Masterson’s contemplative guitar and muffled drum rhythm from Aaron Hagebak, as the song makes reaches its rockier, upbeat finale. Stunning!

The piano features with a vengeance in Penny Blue while the guitars soar and dive in a highly original and distinctive song where the band major on their own great sound. At the heart of this amazing album is a strong emotional ambience created by expert and sensitive use of instruments and a voice that is so reminiscent of Thom Yorke it’s uncanny. It seems that each year a record appears from nowhere that is very special. In 2004 The Umbrella Sequence provided that record. Every song and every performance treads sacred ground that should be the exclusive property of bands like Keane and Coldplay. As the album progresses, so does the adventure with songs like the poetic, conversational So Shine Sunshine; contemplative, darker vibe of History In Colors with its string and moog backdrop; and epic Walz Of Thaughme. SPARKLER CLICHE is wonderful record by any standard, and essential listening.

5/5