Artist: Modern Girlfriends
Title: Modern Girlfriends
By Conor Duffy

The brainchild of one man, River Jones, Modern Girlfriends is another example of independent art surpassing much of the overproduced nonsense that passes for popular music these days. Recorded in his home and in various hotel rooms around the world, it epitomises the old-fashioned DIY approach to making music. Mr. Jones plays all the instruments himself, utilising the vocal talents of numerous friends along the way, and recording everything with one microphone (because, as he states himself, that was all he could fit in his suitcase.)

His lyrics are at times surreal, but often sublime, while the music veers through a number of different styles. From the lo-fi garagepunk of 'Ugly Since Birth,' with a ragged vocal from River and cheerleader style refrain, to the atmospheric dream-pop of 'Reality Has Everything That You Need,' the only constant is a melodic heart and hooks that can't fail to catch you.

Like the Pixies or Sonic Youth at their most accessible, the songs on Modern Girlfriends are infused with a pop element that keeps the leftfield parts in check. At least half the songs on this album could be released as singles, and there is no doubt in my mind that if this album receives the attention it deserves, many people will be interested in tracking down.

Here, I'll make it easy for you: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/moderngirlfriends . Even with international postage it's gonna cost you less than a tenner, so really, you have absolutely no excuse not to buy this wonderful record.

For more information visit www.riverjones.com