The Thrills - So Much For The City
[Virgin]

On the strength of their first EP you'd think The Thrills would have the World in their hands, it's surprising then that their debut album is such a dismal affair. Most of the songs are mumbly and half-written, besides the standout track 'Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far), everything seems to go a bit pear-shaped. Considering this is the opening track, everything is downhill from here.

Alas, 'Santa Cruz' is a Flaming Lips / Strokes hybrid with a cracking chorus that'll outdo any pop classic. Lovely pianos, pounding drums and a swirling organ before ending in a fab harmonica solo. Shame they add cheap electronics to the mix. 'Big Sur' is one of the prime examples of where The Thrills fail miserably, sounding like a horrible Travis outtake, it's a cheesy singalong with a distasteful banjo riff. In fact, most of the pieces here are cheesy singalongs, almost a weak, wispier Beach Boys (surfing era).

Imagine if The Strokes hung around with Coldplay, then added percussion and a Hammond Organ, the results would be numbers such as 'Hollywood Kids' and 'Old Friends'. What's so puzzling is the band's obsession and terrible attempt to be American. Hailing from Ireland, the whole thing wreaks of pretension and an obvious cash in on the current American Rock scene. What's possibly more alarming is their nasty Country and Western attempt 'Say It Aint So', maybe a cash in on the whole Scouse movement? Thrown in for good measure is their token ballad, 'Just Travelling', to show their caring, sensitive side. It sucks.

If the band want to use America as their main influence, they should focus more on the Flaming Lips experimental side, it won't be original but a damn sight better than this effort. Disappointing and irrelevant, save your dollars.