A band highly rated for glory during 2007 finally release their debut album – and what an album it is!

The Rumble Strips has pieced together a collection of songs that have real quality as well as a very apparent personality that shows a wonderfully British outlook on life and the lyrics without it being overbearing.

It’s musically an incredibly bright, cheery and energetic performance, which provides the sort of adrenaline and endorphin hit that groups such as Goldfinger and Less Than Jake have given over the years. One such reason is the blindingly obvious link of trumpet work by all concerned – as well as a saxophone too.

One part of The Rumble Strips’ makeup that is prominent not only through their music, but also through their aesthetic. The drum plays an integral part of all songs; and although this may sound like a brazenly obvious statement, it really makes the ‘Strips what they are.

From the immaculate singles of Alarm Clock and Motorcycle, the change of pace of Hate Me (You Do) and the simplicity of its use in Oh Creole, they all show how Matthew Wheeler’s skills have driven the group to another level in terms of musical and crowd stimulation – mass hand clapping at gigs is a must.

This shouldn’t detract away from bassist Sam Mansbridge’s orange drum contribution though...

The live sound bristles from every corner of your speakers throughout, as the album is sculpted to provide not only live performance thrills, but to also give you plenty to dance and embrace in your own time.

Album opener No Soul is a twisted affair that originally lulls you into believing it’ll be a low tempo number before ramping up the noise and pace, as the sparsely sounding acoustic guitar provides guidance for the ensuing mayhem.

Building A Boat with its manic ending with squalling trumpets complete with the straight-talking “It ain’t worth the pain/Never again” chorus line, and Clouds that comes close to a Madness style finale shows the frantic and near demented side of the band that can be easily washed away under the chirpy sounds and pop hooks.

Cap off that with two of the final three songs, Cowboy and Hands that combine cigarettes and alcohol with the Wild West and Jailhouse Rock in equal measures. The changes of pace are back again in force, which bury any ideas of sonic similarities and put the attention on the ability to spin songs on their foreheads without batting an eyelid.

That only leaves the massive sing along chants that adorn Time, Don’t Dumb Down and the latest single Girls And Boys In Love. The former’s theme of impending death provides mass choral work, whilst Don’t Dumb Down allows for much of the same, but this time pointing out that you’re best off just being yourself.

It’s a perfect sentiment for The Rumble Strips too. Whilst others are losing their personality with trendy-styled songs, they are excelling at being themselves, which is what everyone can aspire to do – just some more than others.