Amazon broke through in 2001 they were pigeonholed alongside the likes of The White Stripes, The Hives and The Vines in the garage-rock explosion. What set them apart though was their debut record; 'Is This It' was and still is considered a classic guitar album bringing with it huge expectations. Subsequent releases lacked consistency amongst odd moments of brilliance, but album five sees the quintet rediscover a winning formula.
'Comedown Machine' is not a return to the raw, lo-fi approach that characterised The Strokes' seminal release, but this is in no way detrimental. The reference point this time around are the pop bands of the eighties - Human League, A-ha - and the jabs of rhythm and guitar that underpin the opening 'Tap Out' are a delightful combination with Julian Casablancas' laidback falsetto. Latest single 'All The Time' finds the band in more familiar territory, a rock and roll romp featuring some effortlessly cool guitar work, before free download 'One Way Trigger' displays a fun groove that had previously not been a noted part of the group's repertoire. The mood is carried through to 'Welcome To Japan'; a track Prince would be proud to call his own and you'll likely find an involuntary need to shuffle along.
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