Sons and Daughters - 'The Repulsion Box' (Domino) Released 06/06/05

So we all know the story. Domino (everyone's favourite Indie label), have a top-notch new Scottish band. Their haircuts are smart. The guitarists shirt is tucked in. You can check if you have a bogie by looking down at their winklepickers. But this isn't Franz Ferdinand we're talking about. This is Franz Ferdinand mark one. Half Girls, Half Boys. In early 2004, Sons and Daughters were groomed by Domino's top knobs and coaxed into their firing chamber, ready for cannonball-like ejection over a waiting Britain.

Then along came Franz Ferdinand and the cannonballs turned to flak. But Sons and Daughters have waited and waited, until finally 2005 is ready for the invasion of sound 'The Repulsion Box' provides. Ravaging everyone from the Pixies (for loudness) to Johnny Cash (for two-step beats) Sons and Daughters smash Franz Ferdinand off the Nivea-enriched face of the Earth. In fact, the sad omission of 'Love the Cup's' stand-out track 'Johnny Cash' is as close to a disappointment you'll find.

'Medicine' is first to take us to task. A brash, pissed-off explosion, booting gnomes into garden ponds and wreaking havoc in the backyards of the nation. 'Red Receiver' howls, mixing Scott and Adele's vocals to best effect, while a minimalist bassline provides the platform for yelping guitars.

With John Wayne ruggishness and Celtic aggression abound, 'Rama Lama' provides the real highlight of the album's closing tracks. Adele's coarse Scottish refrain "hang her out to dry" sends more than a twitch down indie's over-cool lifeless spine. 'The Repulsion Box' is as fine an album as you'll hear all year,  It'll take you out, then knock you out.