This Is Fake DIY Records, released 27/10/2008

There are some musical acts that will shake you out of an apathy and a boredom for what music has to offer, and I’m sorry to build you up but The Research aren’t one of them.  They are not particularly remarkable and
they will probably tell you little that you have not already heard, but if
you’re looking for something sweet and personal to dance among the flowers to, then ye gods you’ve found it.

The Research, and in particular lead singer Russell “The Disaster” Searle, have enough ability to keep you interested, and even if they’re generally about as energetic as a shy koala, they still quite clearly have something to say.  Twee they may generally be, but The Research have layers.  “Golden Rules” provides a dreamy opening, a slow burning declaration of indie intent. 
“Lost Souls In The Vapour” is more upbeat but with a being-in-a-band
related philosophy that makes things incisive, and such interesting words are
maintained by the likes of “I Think I Know What Happens When You Die”.

But before things go all ahhhhhhhh, The Research show why they are worth having around.  They can do the slower, angrier sounding number (“She Is Cold As Death”) and “Librarian Girl” flirts with the kind of noise that would bring a sharp “shhhhhhhh!!!!!!” from the object of its affection.  In short, this band may becutesy but they manage to bring an atmosphere to their music that sets them enough apart (just about) from a mere Belle and Sebastian-a-like.  It’s still a bit too twinkly to be remarkable,
but this particular Cribs-lite, coy sing-a-long combination will provide enough
tunes to keep you busy, for a little while at least.  Pleasant enough and occasionally a bit more besides.

Posted In Album Reviews, Oct 27 2008. Words - Martin