On Schmotime Absentee step up to the plate and prove that it's possible to put together something vital, in every sense, of the word from various found bits from the history of indie-rock and a wicked sense of humour. How many bands do you know would even go down the route of characterising a car crash relationship as "We Should Never Have Children" - let alone punctuate it with kiddie backing vocals? The songs themselves start from booze-soaked folk, but tend to fly off in all sorts of wonderful guitar and brass driven upbeat directions. All are adorned with Melinda Bronstein's 60's baby doll bubble and, especially, Dan Michaelson's signature yawn of a vocal, coming on like a hungover, careworn Bagpuss. They're best showcased on the songs from the recent single - not least You Try Sober's swinging role reversal of a one-sided relationship - but there's no weak points or false notes.

Absentee take the despair out of the bar-room and the interpersonal disaster area out of country music and bring them together in the dance hall. Top fun for anyone who has ever known misery.

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