The Aliens - Astronomy For Dogs

If you're expecting Astronomy For Dogs to be the fourth Beta Band album in all but name, you'll be disappointed. There is a great deal of sonic experimentation going on, but it's generally within the confines of much more traditional structures, and some tracks are all out retro space-rockers which are clearly heavily inspired by the likes of the Beach Boys, the Beatles, and Primal Scream. But the sheer enthusiasm of the delivery, the strength of Gordon Anderson's songwriting and the subtle but unpredictable electronica and sound effects weaved throughout means this can only improve with each listen. The singles Robot Man and The Happy Song are as upbeat as a lorry full of lottery winners, but the gorgeous, languid melodies of She Don't Love Me No More and Honest Again are evidence of the broken heart behind The Aliens' almost otherworldly cheerfulness. [Milo McLaughlin]