The Noisettes - What's The Time Mr.Wolf? (Vertigo) (WEB VERSION)

Not so long ago there was a distinctive dearth of fiery female-fronted indie rock bands. Nowadays, we're relatively spoiled for choice: Karen O's Yeah Yeah Yeahs kicked the door down and marched their raunchy art-rock through, and last year, The Gossip's Beth Ditto was voted the coolest person in rock by the NME. They might all have to make way now, however, for here comes the Noisettes' Shingai Shoniwa, who, as well as undoubtedly having the best name in rock n roll, has the live antics and commanding presence to put even Karen O to shame.

On this debut album her vocal prowl leads the band through the double call-to-arms salvos 'Don't Give Up' and 'Scratch Your Name', both full of thrashy new-wave guitars and decisive intent. She then changes tack in the beguiling 'Count of Monte Christo', a serene and jazzy effort that shows off the wide range and depth of Shingai's vocals. It's this voice that dominates proceedings throughout, making the good songs sound great, such as on the riff-heavy soul of 'IWE', and alternating easily between loungey tranquillity and catty prickliness; oftentimes, as on 'Nothing To Dread', within the same song. When we do hear a male lead vocal, it's on a folky afterthought at the end of the album. Sounding despairing and defeated, guitarist Daniel sings "I'll never fall in love again," and is soon rejoined by Shingai, as if she feels he needs some help in getting to the end of the song unscathed. She's probably right.

Supporting Muse on a massive European tour and merely experiencing the Babyshambles madness up close on a number of dates will have sharpened up The Noisettes' already excellent live pedigree. Worthy as most of this album is, you can't help feeling that this band will have to be seen live in order for their burgeoning appeal to be truly realised. [Barry Jackson]