Champion Kickboxer - Thumbs

I've never really checked these guys out before. To be honest I think I was a bit put off by the name and cover art and thought they were gonna be some kind of NME-pandering pap. More fool me, as these guys make a pretty unique and soulful sound. It's indie pop with lots of space and attention to detail, with the initially lazy-sounding vocals underpinned by all sorts of subtle harmony and counterpoint. The arrangements are what make it, though, with some terrific guitar and synth tones and a perfect sense of timing and pace that belies the density of the songwriting - they're reminding me of Menomena's timelessly brilliant last couple of records, but with more of a British homemade feel. 'Tumbling' takes things into Silver Mt Zion territory, and there's maybe even a touch of King Creosote or something in places too, but really overall these guys' sound is pretty fresh and unique. This is a totally excellent piece of synth-heavy indie rock. I bet they're really good live too.