Indie is such a dirty word in the music business. It’s equal parts dull and inaccurate, but yet it is used far too often amongst many young bands from the Manchester/Liverpool area. With Beat The Radar however, the pure essence of the genre ‘Indie’ is clear to hear, and it once again feels more of a joy than a repetition.

Originally hailing from Cumbria, but moving to Manchester in order to greater their chances of success (hence the album title) these four New Order, The Fall and The Smiths fans have created one of those albums where every track is basically a future single possibility as all ten tracks are Top of the Pops joys, a bit like the younger brother of The Cribs.

Recent single ‘Telephone Conversation’ is a standout track, along with the ingenious ’18, 19, 20, 21, 22’, which has a quite memorable chorus, but again they are amongst a mélange of songs which all stand their own ground. Singer Jonny Swift doesn’t have a massive vocal range but it is perfect for this type of guitar dominant music which manages to elevate the songs into a dreamy state of consciousness while always keeping up the fast tempo beat.

‘By The Sea’ may be the track that the guys become recognised for, accompanied perfectly for by a black and white video of tour footage. Nothing on the album will offend, cause controversy, or make your mother shout ‘turn that rubbish off’; To The City, From The Sea is a record of simple pleasures, three minute pop songs, and grand sing-along choruses. There are many bands struggling to make it into the big time with this type of music, but the reason Beat The Radar have gotten this far is because they do it better than anyone else.

Peter Clark