After frustratingly being forced to change the name of their band from Braille to Thin Cities, only the heartless could wish further misfortune on this Illinois band. Their superb debut is one of the most convincingly heartfelt records made in recent years and should certainly win favour with fans of new acts like Argentine and the recently revived For Against. In Paul Karner, they have a wonderfully expressive frontman who successfully bridges the gap between the forlorn and the full-on euphoria whilst his fellow band members and the assistance of string arrangements turn 'Trouble Grows On Trees' and the title track in to two of the most beautifully arranged anthems ever committed to disc. Meanwhile, 'Tread Softly' boasts a twisting, meandering guitar line redolent of Death Cab For Cutie whilst 'The Strangers Around You' and 'Everything Around You' perfect their skills in aching melancholia. All told, it's another triumph for emotive, multi-layered rock.