You know what's always nice? When you head back to the old family home to find a bunch of CD's have been sent your way for review. Unfortunately that joy doesn't last long after you realise one of these records has been out a month already. So, sorry to The Lodger. I guess I should go home more often.

But hey, I'm reviewing it now. And it's good to know they kick off this single with a bang. 'Many Thanks For Your Honest Opinion' doesn't really sound that different to any of other garage rock songs currently vying for radio airplay. But at least it's got a great chorus. Seriously, if that chorus was a person you'd would want it to be your best mate, it's so likeable.

'Unsatisfied' is less jumpy, and brings the latest work of Morrisey to mind, though singer Ben naturally doesn't have the same maturity in his voice. The Lodger might also find kindred spirits in Bloc Party, who also ply their trade in memorable tunes that veer from one influence to the other with ease. In many ways 'Unsatisfied' is stronger than the title track as it doesn't attempt to fit too neatly into a ready genre while still retaining the poppiness that could make The Lodger quite popular among the hip crowds and normal people alike.

'Let's Make A Pact' cuts away all the fat to leave us with pretty much just a guitar and vocals, and it works, in a fey, UK indie sort of way. In short, The Lodger are willing to try their hand at a variety of styles and from the evidence here they can get away with it.

The number of British three-piece bands playing highly-addictive guitar pop grows bigger all the time, so it's hard to say what kind of impact The Lodger will have. Success might rely on being in the right place at the right time, but then that's the case for so many bands. The Lodger would seem to have the songs, now it's just a case of whether they'll be able to break away from the pack.

Picture from www.dancetotheradio.com

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