Love Kraft

The single, "Lazer Beam", is something of a red herring--an upbeat, funky number that sees frontman Gruff Rhys unveil his "radical new vision", which appealingly, includes the pledge "no more romantic comedies!" While the pace is generally slow, however, this is an album peppered with gems. Aliens land on the glorious "Psyclone!", which uses strings from guesting High Llamas man Sean O'Hagan to excellent effect, while the languid "Frequency" is comprised of lyrics written in what frontman Gruff Rhys refers to as "Blairspeak". Rhys gives up the microphone, however, for what turns out to be two album highlights: "Atomic Lust", which sees drummer Daf Ieuwan cooing "Let's get our shit together" over sudden explosions of guitar and pounded, one-note piano; and guitarist Bunf's goofy, comical "Back On A Roll". --Louis Pattison