CD review: Popstrangers

London-based New Zealand trio Popstrangers have traded the heavy grey blanket that swaddled debut album Antipodes for a lightweight duvet and there is consequently more ''pop'' among the strangeness on this excellent follow up.

Lead single Country Kills is a hooky new wave number that simultaneously channels early Cure, Wire and New Order, while Don't Be Afraid pitches woozily around like a drunkard in the sun, a loose and languid affair by contrast.

Final track What's On Your Mind is another to impress with its hypnotic sway and there are several other reverb-soaked gems among the 10 tracks.