Mew - And the glass handed kites : 2 years after their debut album - Frengers - I read a review of this in one of the Sundays, it was all talk of Sonic Youth, Sigur Ros and Mars Volta - which is enough of a mixture to put most people off, but I persevered and go myself a copy, intrigued by what this could sound like. I think I can understand the references…although I’d include maybe the Dears, and the Leaves in there - this is as grandiose, well constructed and well thought out as those albums from favourites of mine. There are some roaring, jangling guitars - and huge soaring vocals, coupled with clever lyrics and subtle production which makes the album sit just nicely - there are a few intrumental fillers - but tracks like Zookeepers Boy, Apocalypso and the mighty (and beautiful) ballad White Lips Kissed more than make up for the interludes. Excellent album - hunt this down and take care of it.