A series of idiosyncratic vocals backed by often delicate, often Beatles poppy super melodies. A series of songs so attentively built, its a wonder they weren't designed, rather than played. Someone in The Decemberists has an amount of talent, that much is clear. So, The Decemberists? Well, they're the kind of band, albeit with a different vocal inflection, that reminds of Belle And Sabastian. Folk pop, I suppose. A layered build up of instrumentation, but those distinctive vocals, and vocal melodies, are ultimately what hold sway. We've serious stuff here too, the seven minute plus 'The Gymnanst, High Above The Ground' is the kind of story-telling rare in pop these days. Here, we've story-telling with intelligence, character and delicate violin touches. A song such as 'Red Right Ankle', musically, is just acoustic guitar. Vocally and lyrically however, it holds your attention. Another acoustic led masterpiece, of sorts. Pop masterpieces arrive with the impossibly catchy likes of 'Billy Liar', and those Beatles melodies come through. Such simple, happy and bouncy melodies, life-affirming types of melodies that not too many bands are able create. 'Billy Liar' is a summer masterpiece cut from the same cloth as many Sixties pop masterpieces. Here, we have such a piece presented with nineties/noughties production, but that doesn't matter. The quality is the same. It's a rare quality.

Curious musical qualities and wordplay are all over the likes of the enjoyably bouncy 'Chimbley Sweep', 'Los Angeles, I'm Yours' is another of those agreeable pop treasures, very affable indeed. Very repeat playable and perfectly constructed. The closing 'As I Rise' is a sheer wonder, the very sound of the song evoking all sorts of glories, all sorts of spine chilling wonderful moments your life has given you. All within two minutes and fourteen seconds. It doesn't need any more time.

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Readers Comments john, county kildare john.j.doyle@nuim.ie my uncle claims he was the first person in the world to buy a copy of this.what a lying git! but i think i can forgive him, as he has introduced me to a really excellent group. brimming with highlights. 9/10.