The Weepies
Album: Sirens
Label: Nettwerk
Tracks: 16
Website: http://www.theweepies.com

When you read the stat's behind Cambridge MA's The Weepies your first reaction might well be "how come I've never heard of them?". Over a 14 year career they've quietly amassed over 1 million record sales whilst sailing happily under the mainstream radar. That might well change with their 5th album and first for five years 'Sirens'.

Firmly ensconced in the pigeon hole marked Indie-Folk, the married duo have a songwriting ability that is as effortless as it rare. 'Sirens' is 16 tracks of instantly gratifying and predominantly upbeat music that has a lovely familiar feel to it from the off. As an album it feels more like a suite than just a collection of tracks and in terms of composition is reminiscent at times of Decemberists, Sufjan Stevens or Bright Eyes in so much as it all feels like one whole work of music that flows without pause.

Songs like 'Learning To Fly' and the title track breeze in and out with delicate charm whilst the Calexico-esque sexiness of 'Fancy Things' shakes it hips with a cheeky grin. The sunshine ska-lite of 'Early Morning Riser' is a smile for the ears. Having eschewed touring in favour of starting and raising a family The Weepies have created a sound that you would expect the parents of 3 young children to make. This is exactly the type of music you can enjoy on your own but have a cracking dance round the living room with your kids to!

If there's even a modicum of justice in the world then The Weepies will be entering the conscious of thousands of people with 'Sirens'. Their ability to pen perfect pop deserves to be heard! It's perfect holiday music and arrives just in time for the sun to come out.

Rob Fearnley