Bali

Steeped in classic sixties West Coast pop styles, albeit with a futuristic edge, this LA trio have a recent history that most like-minded outfits would kill for. They not only appeared on the first Austin Powers movie soundtrack but, far more impressively, they form the core of Brian Wilson's 12- piece backing band on his current stateside tour.

Taking the Beach Boys Pet Sounds/Smiley Smile as a loose blueprint, the Wondermints add their own not inconsiderable musician-ly talents and penchant for goofy TV themes and Hanna Barbara cartoons. The results on Bali (sub-tilted Pure Island Flavour Made In America), are never less than spectacular. 'Telemetry' is a Wilsonesque beauty, an indirect descendent of 'God Only Knows' with hints of the Beatles 'A Day In The Life', the oddly titled 'Chris Craft No 10' has everything from Keith Moon drum rolls to Syd Barrett psychedelic washes and pristine West Coast harmonies. Meanwhile the timeless harpsichord intro on the power-pop gem 'Cellophane' and the piano groove on 'In And Around Greg Lake' showcases their ability to rock out if the occasion demands it.

They've even managed to rope in the legendary Pet Sounds session bassist Carole Kaye, who supplies some funky bass-lines to the glorious exercise in symphonic pop that is 'Hypnolove'. Another highlight 'Puppet Girrls R Go' a bona fide West Coast classic in the vein of The Beach Boys' 'Girl Don't Tell Me' has a killer line in: "It's the strings I'm after."

The simple fact is, the Wondermints pack more melodic twists, classic chord progressions and soaring key changes into one song than most bands can manage in an entire career.