On the face of it, Oldham's Puressence are equipped with all the necessary tools to become just as successful as Doves or Manic Street Preachers. In James Mudriczki they have perhaps the most technically-adept vocalist in modern indie rock. Their music is powerful, tuneful and exciting. 'Planet Helpless' is just as fine as their previous two excellent albums. 'Walking Dead' and 'Prodigal Song' represent a moody yet energetic opening salvo, 'How Does It Feel?' is a triumphant and hopeful anthem, featuring brass accompaniment and 'Make Time' sounds like a Bond theme in waiting. The title track is a tender and thoughtful centre to the album and even though they begin to sound like other bands (think James or the Manics) on the comparatively lumpen 'Ironstone Isadora' and 'You Move Me' they recover form at the end of the album. Throughout, Mudriczki never overdoes his vocals; even though he is quite capable of showing off his vocal range, the group stick rigidly to a satisfying three to four minute track length mastering a formula, which - in a fairer world - would guarantee the commercial success to go with the critical kudos. If Manchester needed a soundtrack to capture the Zeitgeist this deserves to be it.