STARKY: Starky (Universal)

AFTER completing its second album in Wales, the Australian trio immediately recruited a second guitarist. It's hardly surprising, considering the widescreen soundscapes the band creates with producer Dave Eringa (Manic Street Preachers, Suede). It leaves the band sounding absolutely British, Beau Cassidy's vocals harking back to the new romantics, the layers of guitars and keyboard flourishes recalling early U2 and Radiohead. Highlights include Me Michelle, Hands Down, Hey Bang Bang and dramatic closer She Burns Up the Night. An impressive step forward.

JEFF CRAWFORD