Originally scheduled for release back in Autumn 2001, the timing of Snowblind's debut CD could turn out to be quite fortunate after all. This is a joyful record bursting with tunes to signal the sound of summer. The male/female alt-pop duo hasn't featured much on the musical agenda since the turn of the century; perhaps the most recent exponents have been Everything But The Girl or Moloko but Dubstar are perhaps nearer to their viewpoint; vocalist Jane Murphy revealing her Northern England charm in her intonations and references to 'pulling birds' and 'getting off your arse'. Yet Paul Williams' arrangements of the songs lead to influences from further back in time to the white-funk guitar of Orange Juice; this is clear on excellent songs of the calibre of 'Wish', 'Easy Girl' and 'Summer In The Sun' all embellished with the requisite jangle. 'Haven't Got A Clue' reveals an appreciation of 60's pop dynamics and the finale 'Fistful Of Dollars' is a homage to New Order's bass-driven euphoria. Non-believers will cast doubts on their obvious influences but the less cynical will just appreciate the sheer melodicism.