The 21st Century seems to have spawned a new love of the guitar. Even in pop music (Blue, Busted et al), and a new wave of rock'n'roll/pop, and alongside The Strokes and The White Stripes you have the vines. In 2002 the Vines were fresh out of the garage.

This is certainly a polished affair, with a range of influences. "Manger" is an uptempo number, innocently honest. "A.S III" is a little more whimsical, sitting somewhere between Radiohead and 60s psychedelia. This has certainly turned out well given the hiatus. The lengthy break followed tours and, after singer/guitarist Craig Nicholls was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, a temporary split.

But they're back and the sound is good. Lots of fuzz guitar mixed with acoustic, and bar the 6 minute "True As The Night" (a mature solid folk rock ballad) most of the songs are around the 2 minute mark. If they release any singles the single edit will actually be longer than the album version!

That said, no idea is over played, the 14 tracks are succinct, allowing the band to move from Brit Pop to rock'n'roll and back again smoothly. The vocal harmonies are as well produced as they are well written.

From Deep Purple to Oasis, it's worth a listen.

***½

Review by Joe Geesin

www.joegeesin.com