The Ex-Men - A Life Of Love

For a debut album this packs a hell of a punch. The rhythm section pummels your gut right from the start and doesn't let up. The lead vocals kick in, and rhymes of cool, minimalist street poetry roll over the top. These guys are like a neurotic Streets with an injection of the Pet Shop Boys' humour. Tracks such as The Curator catch the ear and inflame the feet - each is brisk in tempo and full-on in rhythm. The whole album, unlike some of the rather more clinical dance affairs these days, sweeps you up in its joyous, acerbic wave. The press release suggests you will 'think Underworld after six pints of mild', and that pretty much sums these boys up. Like Underworld, it's a raucous, unruly mix of beats and poetry that you may not understand but will certainly love. [Jonathan Robert Muirhead]