From the opening track of 'The Strangest Things' it is easy to see why New Yorkers Longwave have been tipped to be the next Interpol. 'Wake Me When It's Over' mimics the same bass-heavy and reverberating production as Interpol's 'Untitled'. Pleasingly both tracks remain excellent though. But Longwave offer something different because their songs operate in a more melodic, FM radio-friendly sound. Rather disconcertingly, Steve Schiltz is equipped with the same set of lungs as Billie Jo Armstrong of Green Day fame but thankfully Longwave are more post-punk than teen-punk. The strong chorus of 'Pool Song' brings to mind the catchy alternative rock of Lowgold; there are bright shafts of light throughout widescreen rockers like 'Meet Me At The Bottom' and 'I Know It's Coming Someday'. Yet somehow Longwave fall short of excellence largely because most of the tracks in the second half of the album sound like lesser versions of the earlier songs. Another problem could be Dave Fridmann who provides his normal immaculate production but the band struggle to raise their game to keep up with him, Exhibit A being the song 'Tidal Wave' which strives to soar but is ultimately forgettable. Long-term success will require new ideas like the subversive riffing and Schiltz's high-pitched vocals on 'Exit'. Longwave appear to have the talent to create a great album but they are some way off yet.