Figurines - 'Skeleton' (Strange Feeling) Released 14/05/07

They tick all the right boxes but there’s something slightly amiss with the first UK release from Figurines. Though they’ve been steadily building up a name for themselves both here and abroad by touring with the likes of Cold War Kids and Tapes n’ Tapes, the band have managed to create a body of music that’s both catchy and non-descript at the same time.

'Skeleton' is a 45 minute indie-pop ride with the occasional sombre tune here and there just to change things up a bit. Like it or love it, the album’s got quality songs with infectious harmonies that will easily sink right into your brain though with some effort.  What’s disappointing is that it’s a good album but it could have been even better. The overall sound of it is quite often really dull, making it hard to differentiate between tracks of similar tempo. ‘The Wonder’ and 'All Night’ really exemplify this. Individually both make you want to crank up the volume and possibly bust out a little dance however played back to back as they appear on the album they loose their energy and appeal. It also doesn’t help that the album is about two songs too manyin length.

Despite 'Skeleton’s few hiccups, Figurines are quite endearing and certainly know how to make up for it in musical craft. ‘Continuous Songs’ is a track that commands attention but without having to shout it - the lyrics and melody do all the talking from the very first word sung. ‘Silver Ponds’ is also a shinning star on the album but for very different reasons. It’s a heartfelt tale about the mixed emotions involved with returning to your hometown after being away for so long. Lead singer Christian Hjelm’s willy-nilly vocals add an extra level of sincerity to this one as do the picturesque lyrics.

So you’ll need to either listen to this one with a sympathetic ear or shuffle these tracks in with your regular repertoire to hear them in all their glory.