Refreshingly eschewing the commercial route of rock misery, Lisp prove on their debut album that songs prove ultimately more satisfying if they can reveal to their listener more and more on each hearing. Across nine tracks of early-80's melancholia with trip-hop effects (presumably to make it sound less like Joy Division, Comsat Angels et al) Lisp hit the mark on regular occasions. The guitars and bass are played quietly and insistently underpinning subtle melodies on the best efforts here such as 'Distance Over Time' , 'Flatspin' and 'Long Way To Climb' whereas 'Let It Go' is tinged with real sadness helped along its way by a string section. Intermingled with horror-like lyrics ("You'll be fed through a straw until your gums are red raw" and "You're so good they'll have to bury you twice") this truly is a macabre experience. 'Something Special' recalls early-period Tears For Fears (which is good, honest!) and although there are a few flaws - the unwelcome but thankfully short rap on the otherwise perfect 'Distance Over Time' and the filler at the end - Lisp can take pride in making people depressed again.