I had a where have you lot been hiding moment the first time I heard Comet Gain. I came late to the party, and I was astonished to discover a large back catalogue that touched on so many things: Britpop, The Go-Betweens, ? and The Mysterions, Godard and ’60s British kitchen sink dramas, Mods, Orange Juice, Felt, Bikini Kill, Smash Hits, Northern Soul, the photography of Roger Mayne, hell, even the photo I use at the top of this column, came together and found a place to roost.

[audio:https://www.rocktownhall.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/14-Beatnik.mp3|titles=Beatnik] [audio:https://www.rocktownhall.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/07-Ripped-Up-Suit.mp3|titles=Ripped-Up Suit]

It’s a literate, spirited, and reverent indie pop that these Londoners make. They tap into something where they sound, and the listener feels, unabashed about being a music geek, and the redemptive and exhilarating power of rock, style, and being smart.

[audio:https://www.rocktownhall.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/16-The-Ballad-of-a-Mix-Tape.mp3|titles=The Ballad of a Mix Tape] [audio:https://www.rocktownhall.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/11-Some-of-Us-Dont-Want-to-Be-Saved.mp3|titles=Some of Us Don’t Want to Be Saved]

What really comes through for me is the sense that this scrappy cult phenomenon are really psyched to be making records. They’re an indie-pop confection, and the more you eat, the more you want, which is something everyone should love in their favorite bands.

[audio:https://www.rocktownhall.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/01-The-Kids-at-the-Club.mp3|titles=The Kids at the Club] [audio:https://www.rocktownhall.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/19-Germ-Of-Youth-Part-II.mp3|titles=Germ of Youth Part II]

Check ’em: