Once firmly entrenched in the same miserablist bedsit inhabited by Tindersticks and Cousteau, London's Jack are now attempting to prove that are open to modern day tricks; embracing drum programming and samples. The title track sets out the new agenda with nods to Stevie Wonder's 'Ma Cherie Amour', spoken word, synths and samples. Better still is 'The Emperor Of New London', an unholy alliance of a doo-wop chorus loop and snarling interruptions from actor Dan Fante which on paper sounds pretentious but on record, swings marvellously. On previous efforts Jack have concentrated on sombre moods and overwrought emotions often at the expense of a good tune; there's still evidence of these crimes on 'That's The Way Me Make It' and more worryingly, the pompous 10-minute closer 'No North Left'. Most of the rest is pretty much on the same level as previous albums with 'Sleepin' Makes Me Thirsty' being a worthy soundalike to 'Your World Versus My World', the standout from 1998's 'The Jazz Age' album. Not a complete re-invention by any means but the group's willingness to explore musical surroundings will make their fourth album one to look out for.