With the current strength of the American music scene it’s not surprising that some over here in Blighty look across the pond for inspiration. Manchester’s Polytechnic have certainly looked beyond the local Heaton Park and the result here on their debut long player is a highly enjoyable collection of Transatlantic drawled tunes. The driving rhythms, modulating keys and warm harmonies bring The Shins most to mind but there’s also the unpredictability of Tapes n Tapes and lo-fi charms of Pavement in evidence. Now if that little lot doesn’t float your boat then you’re probably sunk already.

While the band do pensive and brooding very well (particularly on country tinged opener Bible Stories), they are at their best when they allow their pop sensibilities to come to the fore. The appropriately named Pep sprints out of the blocks like a cheetah on steroids while another former single Won’t You Come Around joyfully whoops and hollers almost in tribute to the fine Spring weather we’re suddenly experiencing. These are not alone in stirring the toes into tippy tap action with a nice mix of pace keeping the listener engaged. Indeed they may have named themselves after a second rate education establishment but this album is most definitely first class. God Bless America as they might say...

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