This, the debut album from a group of four hopeful and aspiring young Edinburgh lads destined for glory, is guaranteed to blast you on an emotive, melodic adventure of the imagination - from the classic highs of I am a message to the melancholic lows of Safe and sound. Only 35 minutes long, yet packed with 12 individual punky anthems, you will be hooked from the very first chord to the final note. The repetitive lyrics, deceivingly simple, entwine yet add individuality to each strain - separate jumbles of uplifting riotous guitars, pounding beats, and Woombles excellent vocals.

You can personally attach yourself to each of the twelve songs. Promise. Now, being honest, it took me 70 minutes to fall in love with Hope is important and place it high on my list of all time faves (up there with the best!) - but perseverance is the trick here, friends; seek, and ye shall find. Persevere, and you will thank me forever. Buy it. Try it. Listen to it once. Listen to it again. Love it. By the time you've heard (and really listened here, folks) each song at least twice, I am sure that Hope is important will rarely be away from your stereo.

When I argue I see shapes. Outstanding. Superior. Remarkable. My favourite (difficult to choose, but the one I come back to time after time - the one that made it to the top 20). It's hard to describe - hushed beauty - it changes to suit your mood ("I'm not really sure of all this pressure"/ "it makes me laugh"). If songs could be best friends, this would be mine. A festival anthem. The songs are not simply noisy sounds but harsh, musically expressive mixtures. The intensity of the guitars are a feature of most strains, but 'I'm happy to be here tonight' (a sentimental, mellow ballad) adds a gentle, soothing touch to break the profound force of the artistic accumulation.

Overall, a collection of delights - a treasure, indeed. I recommend Hope is important to anyone interested in any sort of rock or guitar music. But you really do have to quite like guitars and the occasional shouty vocals. Those with weak hearts should perhaps not persevere. The album has received huge critical acclaim and has secured a sound future for a worthy band.

It's good advice - hope is important.

10/10 Helen Richardson

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