As an album that has only secured a UK release two years after its initial US introduction, the debut from French Kicks is a timely entry onto these shores courtesy of the nation's current interest in new-wave courtesy of The Strokes, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs and countless others. What French Kicks lack in model-chic they make up for in a decent stab at revivalism that at it's best stands up on its own two feet. Take 'Down Now' bolstered by a ringing oft-repeated chorus or 'Close To Modern' which marries a neat falsetto vocal to a heavy drum sound; both are indebted to new wave but are exemplars of the genre. The menacing rumble beginning the album points to The Beat's 'Mirror In The Bathroom' as a key influence. The group struggle to maintain a consistent form over the course of forty minutes and their formula of jagged guitars and keening vocals can wear a little thin. The result is what sounds like a collection of ace 'A' sides accompanied by inferior B-sides but with a new album to be worked on later in the year there is every chance that their potential will be fully realised yet.