Ten tracks over only 25 minutes? What's going on? Lousy value? That depends on your point of view.

A four-piece rock group from Albuquerque, Lousy Robot are - apparently - well known for their catchy, noisy, sceptic infused post-punk indie pop songs.

The Strange And True Story Of Your Life is their 'critically acclaimed' 2005 album - an 'enigmatic, narcotic effort' released here in advance of a 2006 follow-up and presumably as a taster for upcoming UK appearances.

It's guitar-based pop/rock of the REM kind. At a basic sort of a level. Lousy Robot's is a lite, understated approach, but it has an innocence that somehow works. Together Somehow has an upbeat Monkeys meet REM madness. Elsewhere lead vocalist (guitarist) Jim Phillips has just has a hint of Tyrannosaurus Rex period Bolan, particularly on Not So Happy With Not So Much which also has T Rex glam beat.

It's difficult to say much other than it's a pretty pleasant album. It doesn't jump up and bite your bum, but neither does it stick in the gullet.

And what is Lousy Robot's take on life, love and the meaning of the universe? 'It's A Weird disguise. Like a beard of bees'. Enough said.

***½

Review by Pete Whalley

Together Somehow
© 2006 Lousy Robot. All rights reserved.

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly