The Double Cross Yep Roc****

This Canadian band celebrate 20 years living under the commercial radar with an album that should (but probably won’t) launch them into the heavens.

You might not be aware of it, but this is their 10th album. Unusually for a band that has stayed together in its original line-up, there isn’t a shred of lethargy here. This might well have something to do with the sensible approach to songwriting: each of the four members is an accomplished pop/rock songwriter.

Creativity and spoils are shared, then, but when the tunes are as classically poptastic as they are on The Double Crossthere's no need to be concerned as far as quality goes. If you're a fan of the collected works of Brendan Benson, Big Star, Squeeze and (early) Elvis Costello, then brace yourself. See sloanmusic.com

Download tracks: Shadow of Love, Follow the Leader, Green Gardens, Cold Montreal