Seldom is it necessary to get excited about another funk/rock/soul hybrid. Yet in the hands of The Burning Effigies they have hit on a winning formula which sounds nothing like Jamiroquai or indeed anyone else really. Lyrical matter varies between Nineteenth Century revenge ballads and phone sex but these ideas would be nothing without the music. This Irish band are as relaxed in their approach as The Sea And Cake but their melodies are much more upfront and direct. 'On The Way' is a great start; a glorious technicolour opener with some fine harmonies for good measure and the tight funk-pop of 'Get Down With Me' has a Steely Dan quality to it. Yet 'Pipe Dream's real skill is in the warmth of delivery and great songs 'The Count', 'The Impostor' and 'The Day We Came Together' make best use of their skills to craft delicious grooves. In time the songs creep under the skin and remain there, leading to an addictive and refreshingly different album.