The delightfully named The Ladybug Transistor would have been part of indie
pop's Royal Family, had they existed in the early 1980s.
The Brooklyn band could have held their own with the brilliance of Lloyd
Cole and The Commotions, The Wedding Present and Go-Betweens - three of the
finest pop collectives given to us by that patchiest of eras.
As it turns out, despite five previous albums, The Ladybugs have barely
blipped pop's success radar - and a decade on from their inception remain,
inexplicably, the genre's classic underachievers. Hopefully that is about to
change.
If there is any justice, Can't Wait Another Day, their latest album, will be
a massive hit. From start to finish, this is a superb collection of songs.
Band founder and singer-songwriter Gary Olson is a clever lyricist - in the
mould of Lloyd Cole or Edwyn Collins. His restrained baritone vocal chords
lie somewhere between Cole and Wedding Present front-man David Gedge.
As for the music, the Ladybugs are purist 80s indie - unfailingly catchy
lush pop - and they share a similar subject matter of trouble-torn love
songs, melancholy and desolation. The album is tinged with sadness though -
drummer San Fadyl died earlier this year due to complications from severe
asthma - but Can't Wait Another Day is far from gloomy.
And in the beautifully upbeat gem that is I'm Not Mad Enough, they have
produced one of the best tracks I've heard all year.
The remaining tunes throw up everything from the warm and luxuriant to the
emotionally tangled and reflective.
Terry, Three Days From Now and So Blind are all excellent songs that demand
full attention throughout.
Hi: 17°C / Lw: 13°C
Revealed: Ulster's most dangerous roads
Deputy First Minister in Baghdad for peace mission
Thomas Beattie gives birth to healthy baby girl
Iran warns: attack us and we'll strike you back
Swimsuit photo shoot in buildup to Vietnam final
Federer and Nadal set for Centre court final
Mandela honoured with the class of 2008
Supporters that made Euro 2008 one to remember
Fashion of the wives throughout the tournament
Pop princess Minogue wows fans at Odyssey gig
Try your luck in our GAA 'pick the score' competition
Looking forward to the famous biking event
Ship's Belfast beginnings celebrated in exhibition
Applauding Ulster's most exceptional women
Special report on Northern Ireland's worst house fire
Celebrating excellence at the inaugural awards gala 
Special multimedia report on Belfast Wheel