The Loose Kites - The Loose Kites EP

With their rockabilly-cum-skiffle sound, Chester's Loose Kites have quickly built up a reputation for top tunes and quality musicianship and have impressed, amongst others, legendary producer Tony Visconti, who has tagged them 'delightful'. It seems a shame to rain on their parade, but this kind of acoustic, 'psychedelic music hall' stuff has been done before and more effectively by the likes of The Coral. That said, the toe-tapping Revelation boasts some lovely harmonies and has an interesting arrangement, while singer Si Poole pulls off a convincing Anthony Kiedis impersonation on Radiation Vibe. It's a pleasant enough sound, but nothing very memorable. [Graeme Blaikie]