I had to hold off on writing this to give it a few listens but I can now safely say that this is easily my favorite album of this year. They've managed to created something fresh without sounding pretentious and unlistenable and frankly I didn't know if that was possible anymore.
Just heard it for the first time, so my first impression, for what it's worth, is already good. The transparent vocals in combination with the melodies keep reminding me of a band from the 80's ... the Fixx. Perhaps less poppy and not using spatial sound effects, what characterizes Rupert Hine's band, but still ... there are similarities. But again, it's only a first impression.
Off to bed now, but definitely need to listen to them more often.
OK, had a good night sleep and listened a second time. The resemblance with the Fixx doesn't seem so evident anymore ... if, then merely the last track ... hmm, must have been the wine last night
Anyway, good album, need to listen to it some more.