Look like The Strokes, sound like New Order, want to ‘kill us all’ apparently. Best think of something nice to say then…

You get the feeling this single isn't as good as it could be. Coming from Manchester is second perhaps only to coming from Liverpool in terms of weighty musical heritage [a controversial opinion there - Adie, who has edited this] (perhaps Manchester is actually leader of the pack for the DiS generation), and whilst it would be churlish to ignore your roots, perhaps the Rain Band shouldn't display them in the manner of a triffid. This single references everything from the The Buzzcocks to the Stone Roses to the Happy Mondays, with the result that it occasionally has overtones of Babylon Zoo. There are moments of almost exuberance, but an unfortunate knowingness always holds it back. Which is a real shame cos you can hear how good it could and should be.

It's not often you'll hear this lads, but, don't try so hard next time.