Things I Don't Like to Talk About Formality Records***

They cite Ash and Thin Lizzy among their influences, but The Koubas' stadium-sized songs sound more in line with U2 or Coldplay. That's not to say the Dublin quartet are the finished article. There's plenty of room for improvement on their debut offering, especially considering how these 11 tracks too often merge into one big guitar- driven indie rock song, complete with predictable surging choruses and melodic keyboard interludes. Then again, there's much to like about Need to Trustand Is it Over?, the latter sounding like a sombre cross between Two Door Cinema Club and Death Cab for Cutie. Things I Don't Like to Talk Aboutis an accomplished effort, but The Koubas need to find their own sound if they want to avoid tribute act status. See thekoubas.com

Download tracks: Is it Over?, Need to Trust