Infrasound - 'Out Of Order'

Does the phrase 'stirring anthem' send a shiver of contempt down your spine? Do you wince at the memory of Britpop's cock-sure, lad-rock bands? If so, Infrasound's debut album 'Out of Order' is not for you. This record is immersed in aspiration; laden with grandiose guitar riffs and triumphant lyrics. There is no doubt the band believes it is destined for greatness but for all its assurance it lacks one vital ingredient – originality. An odious stench of plagiarism percolates through every track. Dusty Radio is Jailbird-era Primal Scream without the ebullient anarchy, while Headlights could be the turgid offspring of Kasabian's Reason Is Treason. When a rare hint of emotion is displayed, as on the melancholic Still Life, Infrasound can sound radiantly worthwhile. Yet, the holistic insipidity of the album ensures it will take more than one track to remove this 'Out of Order' sign. [Billy Hamilton]