There are no instrumental heroics but a soft approach highlighting jangly acoustic guitar and accordion. The album embraces a laid-back style and sometimes an appealingly raw busking quality. This is honest stuff, garnished in places with subtle effects such as synth brass. The playing may be reserved but it complements the material. “Moments” has a delightful beat and “Crowded Room” recalls the sound of ‘60s English folk bands but with a contemporary twist. There is a slowed-down Finn-brothers feel to “Office Christmas Party”.

The vocals could shed the typically delicate yearning sound for a more assertive stance, but at their best they perfectly match the mood of the song, as in the dark “Celia”, which has a full, even lush sound built over a stronger bass line. Here, the slight quaver in the lead vocal is actually endearing and the sweet coda with its high harmonies beautifully contrasts the more sinister aspects of the song’s story.

There is variety and quirkiness in the themes and the arrangements of the songs. The infectious “The Girl Who Threw Her Man Towards The Deep”, for instance, weirdly recalls the organ and rising vocal harmony of the early Pink Floyd tune “Careful With That Axe, Eugene”.

This is likeable, crisp and fresh music from a young band with lots of potential. Night Kitchen is quite an achievement. Expect big things.

Half a Cow Records