Released June 1st on Major-G Records

I've always been slightly wary of bands who come out and proclaim that they are a pop band. Pop is like some kind of guilty pleasure (see 'About You Now' by Sugababes) that people may say they aren't in to, but deep down can't stay away from. Following on from the success of other such pop bands as The Feeling, Alphabeat and The Wombats, here's Sierra Alpha, championed by the likes of Alex Zane and Katherine Jenkins, whose mouth can do no wrong.  Ahem.

You can kind of guess what they sound like already, and you wouldn't be far off, though in parts they are heavier than you would expect them to be, particularly in opening track 'Spending On You' which may or may not be an ode to a stripper. It sounds rather like the more rock moments of Maroon 5, before everyone turned on them and deemed them shit. There's a nice piano interlude as well, and it's what would happen if Muse sold their souls to Simon Cowell. The guitars are fairly chunky, and the chorus is infectious. It's a solid start.

'World Machine' again has a Muse-like feel to it thanks to the tinkling piano, but it also sounds like a bit like Queen and The Feeling. There's a fair bit going on for just a simple pop song, and it doesn't disappoint. . If Heroes was on Channel 4, 'Superhero' is what they would play when advertising it; it's got a touch of drama about it, andwhile it's not the most original song you will ever hear, but it works.

'Take It To Dance' is joyful to say the least, encouraging a similar response that 'Fill My Little World' would get at a festival. It might not be as 'cool' (note the inverted comma's-Ed) as the other songs, but it shows a different side to them, probably a more commercial side than suggested, but it's impossible to dislike. 'Come Hither' is an amalgamation of all that they have done so far. Lyrically you could say that they are about as deep as a puddle, but if that's what you're looking for, you're looking in the wrong place anyway. What Sierra Alpha are is a lot of fun, like being on a bouncy castle eating Haribo, but all the while being watched by a suspicious looking dog. It's pop, Jim. Not quite as we know it, but very good pop netherless.

Posted In Single Reviews, May 29 2009. Words - Paul