Kubichek! - Not Enough Night

Kubichek! belong to the rash of bands who race along on jerky beats and rattling guitars, reinventing the bleak post-punk agitation of Joy Division. Since this is the predominant sound of young indie bands, and has been adapted by most musicians who want to signify angst, Not Enough Night flails a little as it tries to pop its hand up and wave from the middle of the crowd. The mood is dark: bad nights out and alienated relationships recalled through an alcoholic haze - again, not original (if this is what they were going for). Hope is Impossible is a general critique of social breakdown over a gorgeous shimmer; Method Acting a repetitious cascade of inertia and despair. At times the lyrics are awkward and adolescent, lacking empathy or sensitivity, but this is doubtless the consequence of the band's tender years. Tending to go over the same ground - the local scene is variously castigated and praised - this is a lively album, often stuck in the same gear, but showing potential and, at times, a well focussed rage. [Margaret Kirk]