Cymbals – Unlearn

Cymbals are a strange proposition; their debut is at first listen a disjointed, punk-funk jamming session; sprawling, incoherent and angular. To be crude – a rubbish Bloc Party. It shoots from the hip from the off, though sadly straight into its own foot with clunky, formless opener Summer Job. But give this disc some quality time and its songs don’t grow on you so much as grow together into what transpires to be an ambitious and fairly refreshing record. 

By the time the slinky Jane hits, the album’s sometimes smooth grooves and mumbled melodies are beginning to make sense. On Summer Escaping the band show off their electronic chops – not a million miles away from Glasgow’s Errors – and drive it home, skilfully weaving subtly sexy touches around some solid bass work. Unlearn remains all over the place until the very end, but by the time final tune Half Ask is squeaking, squealing and grooving away, you come to realise what a pleasant ride this has been. [PJ Meiklem]