It's hard to know what to make of Longwave. On the one hand this NYC foursome are clearly intent on being the next Interpol or Calla yet beneath the attempts at bruised melodrama there seems to be a desire to opt for a markedly summery outlook. This is not a good idea and part of the problem seems to be vocalist Steve Schiltz whose deep croon often gives way to a keening "boy next door" friendliness, at odds with the generally fine work by the guitarists. It is this fatal flaw which undermines the quality surging indie rock of 'Best Kept Secret' and 'Crushed Down And Faded'. Thankfully it's not all bad and Schiltz delivers a world-weary turn on the excellent ''Make Me A Believer'; he should try it more often, it really suits him. Bonus points too for the dreamier more ambient likes of 'Brighter Than Time' and 'Make Me Whole'. The subsequent album 'The Strangest Things' was a slight overall improvement but until they master their art, Longwave will always be the teen alternative to the real thing.