The Strangest Things

Big on pursed brows, angelic vocals, melodious solemnity, Joy Division basslines and Beaufort Scale-busting squalls of guitar FX pedal histrionics (it's almost as if "axe heroes" never went out of fashion) Longwave are at their most electromagnetic on the Idlewild-style blast of "Tidal Wave" and the arresting pop thrust of potential single "All Sewn Up". Worthy of even greater distinction is the poise and imperturbable burnish of "I Know It's Coming Someday", a persuasive pop tune that would simply fly out of High Street record retailers all over the land if it had "Coldplay" written on the label. --Kevin Maidment