Track Of The Day: The Hosts - 'Would You Be Blue?'

Having grown up in the golden age of indie guitar music, it's fair to say that a lot of the more traditional alternative pop bands of the last few days just don't give me the same thrill that the Britpop bands of my teen years did. Many of the new guitar groups that have emerged over the last few years just don't have the tunes, or any real distinguishing features. The Hosts are different. A quartet from Sheffield who channel 50's romanticism through their charming indie epics, their debut LP follows on from two excellent singles which are both present here. Two tracks were produced by Richard Hawley, who has clearly had a massive influence on the four piece's sound.

'Softly Softly' opens with the dazzling 'Would You Be Blue?', a radiant declaration of love which sparkles with plenty of magnificent pop hooks as well as a melody that could warm even the coldest of hearts. The track was also released earlier this week as part of a double A side with 'September Song'. One of their old press releases says: "The Hosts make a unique sound. Straddling the yesteryear romance of Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly, in a hazy soundscape recalling Phil Spector, The Velvet Underground and The Beach Boys, layered with percussion and a sharp vocal delivery that has given way to comparisons to The Walkman and Jonathan Fire Eater."

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