Engineers - 'Engineers' (Echo) Released 07/03/05

London four piece ‘Engineers’ initially got tongues wagging way back last April with the release of their debut seven inch - the gorgeous ‘Home’. This is the first track on the album and gives a clear indication of where they would like to take us, presumably to the medicine cabinet for a bottle of valium. Filling the void between Air and The Beta Band it sounds so laid back it’s practically dragging the back of it’s head on the floor…

The prevailing theme of wishy washy vocals and prosaic ‘byrd-sian’ guitar licks is a difficult one to break into at first but after a few listens a shimmering beauty is ushered out from within. Upcoming single ‘Forgiveness’ is a treat - a slow burning gem that rises ever so gently and hits just the right peaks with singer Simon Phipps’ just in the distance vocals sounding elegant to the point of royalty.

Next up is another standout in the form of ‘Let’s Just See’ which transports the listener to a fluffy utopia far above and beyond the heavens. The clicks and jerks of the almost Aphex beat compliment the trippy spaced out harmonies for maximum thrills and spills. Another moment of pure warmth comes from the aptly titled ‘Come In Out Of The Rain’. This sounds almost exactly like Peak-era Beta Band and is by far the best track on the album.

It doesn’t all work so well though as the general softness of touch does at times betray the high points as they make the overall sound a little too non descript. ‘Thrasher’ (I think the title must be sarcastic) is so plodding and linear it tries to reach the stars but instead brushes its hand gently on the ceiling.

For the most part this is really, really beautiful and would strongly advise everyone to purchase a ticket for their upcoming tour…Stunning.