Phoenix - Consolation Prizes

France doesn't usually do guitar bands. And even if it did they'd never sound like Phoenix, surely? Which is why it's a double surprise for the uninformed to hear that Phoenix hail from that epicentre of Gallic-dom itself, Paris. Fusing rhythm guitars reminiscent of 'Is This It' with a radiant, unashamed pop sensibility akin to The Magic Numbers, new single Consolation Prizes is a joyful, albeit derivative, dose of guitar-y goodness. Top this off with crystal clear production and singer Thomas Mars's English vocals, free from Gainsbourg-esque French inflection, and you can't really complain can you? Pas mal! [Nick Mitchell]