Internet Forever - Internet Forever (self-release)

After a string of lo-fi murmurs (most notably 'Break Bones') released over a time period spanning five years, Internet Forever's debut LP finally reaches our ears. The band have traditionally spouted bubblegum-indie á la Architecture In Helsinki, but the eponymous album sees the group evolve into a ballsy, all-guns-blazing powerhouse of psych-pop. That's not to say they've completely abandoned their sweet roots though, with duelling crossgender vocals and chiming guitars piping through dancetacular rhythms still taking centre-stage on the record.

'3D' showcases their new-found sound- marching drums repeat thudding, tribal beats and fuzzy walls of FX-laden guitars fornicate with futuristic synth loops to create a vastly uplifting opener to the album. Popular single 'Break Bones' is featured proudly, bounding forth with mock innocence as the band throw themselves at the mercy of the unfurling track. Dischordant lead guitar and youthful vocals from frontwoman Laura Wolf set the track apart from the rest of the album. “You could throw sticks, I could throw stones, we could hate each other, and break bones...” rings eternal through looped samples, Wolf's golden voice being endlessly listenable.

Dreamtrak and James Rutledge splatter their produceral paintbrushes over the album, sewing each track together to create a seamless trek through Internet Forever's sonic arsenal. The production on the album is never forced or distracting, but the effects are clearly felt.

The album ricochets from song to song, barely stopping at one place long enough to comprehend the track- but that's part of the beauty of Internet Forever's first effort. Coming in at just under thirty-two minutes, the album bounces around like an excited Jack Russell, barking twee-esque indie one minute and spewing dance-rock the next. 'Pages Of Books' erupts as a twinkling, jangling fairytale, flowing into a just-right gang chant which sounds uncannily like Los Campesinos! The varied instrumentation demonstrates just how gutsy Internet Forever have been, unafraid to delve into a tangent every once in a while.

The album handclaps it's way through a plethora of patchwork-indie gems, never letting the dust settle completely before jauntily tra-la-la-ing onto the next. The advent of the album marks a new era for Internet Forever- the advancement of the sound is a big step, and they don't put a toe out of line with the debut. 2012 is a big year for British music, and Internet Forever need to take advantage of that. Internet Forever- the album- was destined for festivals, and the epic size of the music won't be fully seen until the band blare it out over dusk-lined fields replete with hazy-eyed revellers. This is a big record that deserves a big stage.