In their short three album career, Brooklyn based Radio 4 have skated from New York punk to indie rock-funk. With new guitarist Dave Milone on board, and following tours with The Libertines, Gang Of Four and The Ravonettes, Enemies Like this finds Radio 4 rejuvenated.

It's an album designed to capture the band's live sound with 10 tracks over a running time of 43 minutes. Which is pretty much par for the course these days -like albums used to be when they were spread over two sides of thick black plastic.

It's a pretty diverse set. The title track opens the set with Duracell metronome drums, Big Country / U2 guitar, thunderous bass runs and a wonderful hook.

Packing Things Up On The Scene -inspired by Eno, Bowie, Talking Heads - adds a slice of funk to the mix, and Too Much Too Ask For is a piece of classic rock that sounds as if Michael Hutchence has been resurrected and reunited with INXS.

Like the title track, Grass Is Greener sounds like a young U2 (the Boy/October period), and there's plenty of moments elsewhere throughout the album where Dave Milone's guitar work sounds like he's been inspired by the Edge.

Everything's In Question is reminiscent of The Clash, This Is Not A Test adds tribal rhythms and a frantic dance beat. There's everything here, including the kitchen sink. Ascension Street adds a splash of Clash-like reggae and Always A Target returns to that early U2 sound.

All In Control is another rhythmic number but isn't that accessible. And finally the album closes with more rhythmic grooves and a Clash feel. But at the heart of it all is an extremely tight rock band with some excellent material.

It's an album that merits repeated playing and you won't regret it. Excellent stuff.

****

Review by Pete Whalley

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