Now some 13 years after their inception Cranes have ploughed their miserablist furrow for what seems like an eternity. Despite achieving only indie cult status they have certainly not been without their fine moments; 1994's 'Loved' album certainly deserved more commercial success than it actually had. The reality is Cranes are now signed to an obscure label and 'Future Songs' isn't going to change anyone's mind about the band; it's far too understated for that. Alison Shaw - now in her mid 30s - still sounds like the 6 year-old girl trapped in a doomed world of subdued soundscapes. Somehow, the resolutely downbeat tracks which occasionally break out of snail's pace are never depressing or overbearing. The overall feel is of a more tuneful early version of The Cure with Lolita providing the vocals. That's a frightening prospect but 'Future Songs' demonstrates that there's still plenty of mileage in their bleak world view.