Another City, Another Sorry

Album review
By Chris Long
Producer, BBC Manchester Introducing

The Answering Machine

At the end of 2005, a trio of students came together at the University of Manchester and, with the aid of a drum machine called Mustafa Beat, decided to create The Answering Machine.

Just under four years on, after ditching the brilliant monikered machine in favour of a living, breathing replacement and completing what is possibly the longest stint as a 'buzz band' on record, the band have finally released their debut album.

As rock and roll stories go, it's not that unusual and yet the songs they have created on Another City Another Sorry are utterly remarkable and more than worthy of the hype and hubbub that has surrounded the band.

The secret of the album's success is a simple one - they (and renowned producer Dave Eringa) have managed to capture the energy and exuberance of being young, free and fired up with tunes in such a thrilling, punchy way, it's impossible not to get dragged along by it.

From the raucous opening of the title track to the breathless heartbreaking finale of You Should Have Called, the album bounds and gambols through cutting guitars and killer choruses with the kind of easy abandon that only the finest can ever achieve.

Highlights come thick and fast, piling on each other like a playground game. No sooner are you thrilled and grinning from the tight indie disco of Obviously Cold and Oh, Christina than it's time to rush headlong into the joy of fan favourite Oklahoma and the insanely addictive anthem, Cliffer.

It's difficult to find a low point to Another City, Another Sorry and in truth, it feels a little mean even to look for one. As reckless as a teenage party and as twice as much fun, it is everything you could have wished for from their debut.

Another City, Another Sorry is out on Heist Or Hit Records