Where some groups opt to be loud and punishing in getting your attention, The Meeting Places go for something better. Similar to The Secret Machines in terms of sound and style, the band paint dreamy lyrics against guitar-fuelled rock for gems like “Love Like the Movies”. It sounds like a cross between The Jesus and Mary Chain and The Byrds. Not quite anthems but close, songs such as the deliberate and slow-building “Until It’s Gone” shine and shimmer. Extremely pleasing and passionate, numbers like “Nothing the Same” soar while still maintaining a straightforward arrangement with a few twists and turns. You can also see influences like Echo & The Bunnymen and especially The Cure with the gorgeous “Hall of Fame”, which the band plays close to its vest despite some fantastic guitar weaving. The real juggernaut on the album has to be the stellar soft-and-loud “Sink into Stone” that resembles Thee Heavenly Music Association. It’s hard to choose which is best though after giving the title track a listen or four and also the closing, tension-laced “Cardboard Robot”. A very fine album indeed!

• Love Like the Movies MP3
• Until It’s Gone MP3
• Numbered Days MP3