Recommended Record [CD]

Recommended Record' -- as a title, it's a confident statement for the band's third album, their most accomplished, instant and joyful so far; a side-step from the freewheeling jams of their previous release, leaping into a more concentrated pop-group sensibility whilst still maintaining the twists, turns and swerves that characterize the band sonic adventures. Whilst the distinctive hushed vocals and intricate guitar interplay that has become the unmistakable I.H.B. identity remain intact, a fantastic convergence and melding of new influences has emerged; from the pounding garage rock of 'Go Magic!', to the Beatles-y groove of 'Lower', to the almost Kraftwerk-with-guitars style of 'Piano Drone', displaying little trace of the homemade, zero budget recording process.