Salad Boys

This Is Glue (Southbound)

★★★1⁄2 There are few genre descriptors that are vaguer, yet more descriptive, than ‘‘jangly’’. Salad Boys jangle, and their music fits nicely with many other artists – early REM, The Smiths, much of the Flying Nun catalogue – who have also worn that label. A three-piece band from Christchurch, they are signed to Chicago’s Trouble In Mind Records label. About two-thirds of This Is Glue is pleasantly melodic pop, demonstrated well on the lead single Exaltation. Elsewhere, they ratchet up the volume and energy – key tracks include the propulsive Scenic Route to Nowhere, and album opener Blown Up (which also seems to doff its hat melodically to Ever Fallen In Love). The mix works well together. Overall, This Is Glue is a rocksolid release.– James Cardno