*keepers-4*avg-3
Led by Jez Williams and driven by a mechanically clicking hi-hat, "Jetstream" is a fittingly atmospheric set-up for the dreamily rolling western-tinged title song****, with the instantly memorable "my God it takes an ocean of drugs in this kingdom of rust" line. "The Outsiders" is listenable driving brit-pop, but "Winter Hill"**** is almost as cheesily melodic U2 at their grandest. "Spellbound"**** likewise relies on a soaring melody and instrumental tracks of really good version of Radiohead circa The Bends; derivative, yes, but catchy is catchy. The middle of the album can probably be regarded as more experimental, or at least varying, but the mellow orchestration of "Birds Flew Backwards" and modestly building "10:03" bookend a relative lull. Jez Williams' "Compulsion" is an interesting take on Blondie's "Rapture", and the cavernous explosions of sound elevate "House Of Mirrors"**** above the underlying Brit-pop. "Lifelines" is another U2/Coldplay anthem, getting a bit too comfortable with a "Hey Jude" soundalike vamp.
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