The Wombats - 'A Guide To Love, Loss And Desperation' (14th Floor) Released 05/11/07

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It’s fair to say that Matthew 'Murph' Murphy, the excitable lead singer and songwriter of the Wombats, has had his share of girl trouble. In fact, he can’t stop thinking about them, whether it’s girls he knew at a school, girls he had bad dates with, girls who are hookers and girls who are getting married. The female gender has clearly had a great influence on Murph, with tale after tale of misfortune and woe being unveiled on his band’s debut album.

Yet, at the same time, this is not a record that wallows in its angst. While the likes of the Arctic Monkeys observations may have an eye on the bleaker side of life, in the Wombats hands everything is a bit brighter. In fact, it almost celebrates it, with a chirpy, upbeat backing and a wry grin present throughout, even if elements of darkness are present. As a band, the Wombats may come dangerously close to being a stereotypical student band, with hyperactive energy, songs about going out and of course, having a stuffed wombat as a mascot. Yet, luckily, the songs here are of a high enough standard to separate them from the pack.

These are big, danceable pop tunes, fit to fill any indie dance floor and leave the patrons begging for more. From the insistent stick in your head no matter what you try chorus of  ‘Kill The Director’ to the sluggish, juddering rock of  ‘Party In The Forest (Where’s Laura)’ it’s all about cramming in zippy guitar riffs, the odd bit of keyboards and hummable harmonies. Murph’s vocals are impressive throughout, as he’s capable of hopping between melancholy and cheerfulness in an instant.