The strength of independent music continues with a rally call for exuberance from one of the best bands in America right now. Their rock and roll devoid of cliches makes up the first great record of 2007. Drugs, booze, love, parties and friendship are all held in reverence. It's full of teenage enquiries and raucousness, especially in 'Stuck Between Stations' and 'Massive Nights'. The Killers, with pretty self-awareness and big budgets, attempted a great American record in 2006, but this scoops that accolade Download: 'Hot Soft Light', 'Stuck Between Stations', 'First Night'

Una Mullally

Jon Redfern May Be Some Time Reveal Records (60m 14s) . .I should be getting paid a lot more considering there were 17 tracks on this record to get through. It's dreary, testing stuff for the most part and only comes to life when the Seth Lakeman apeing recedes on 'All This Time 1'. The other twoparters on the album, 'Demons' and 'Give Away Your Heart', continue the sluggish, overbearing nature. Alt-folk to drink tear-spiked gin to.

Download: none UM

4Hero Play With The Changes Raw Canvas Records (32m 08s) . .Pioneers of drum and bass, and the boys who brought us the perfect rehash of 'Les Fleurs', return with a slightly muted collection of restaurant ditties. There are two many guest vocalists to mention and a mix of inoffensive jazz, soul and house-lite. But edginess is a dot to 4Hero at this stage. Only some slick drumming on 'Bed Of Roses' rescues this record.

Download: 'Awakening', 'Bed Of Rose'

UM