MYSTERY JETS – RADLANDS

The fourth album from the Mystery Jets continues the English band’s penchant for retro-tinged sing-along rock. The title track which begins the album combines the ominous sparseness of Simon & Garfunkel with the jangly sounds of more recent groups such as Razorlight or the Shins.  Meanwhile, The Hale Bop recalls an earthier Scissor Sisters, complete with tight vocal harmonies and disco backbeats. But though they wear their influences very much on their sleeve, the Mystery Jets counter this by making each tune a catchy, hook-laden number. The most obvious instance of this is the name-checking Greatest Hits which literally spells out bands and albums no doubt instrumental to the Mystery Jets sound in its lyrics. Despite this, the song could give many early Beatles gems a run for their money in terms of clever infectiousness. The Ballad of Emmerson Lonestar, another album highlight, tells the tried-and-tested story of a man travelling alone through rural America with nothing but his own thoughts as company. So, yes, perhaps not the most original album you’re likely to hear this year, but Radlands deserves praise for its rarely-faltering ability to keep the nifty hooks and catchy tunes coming. ***