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Written by Laura Hamlett Friday, 13 February 2009 04:06

With Secrets Are Sinister, Longwave has proven their ability to remain at the top of their game.

After a three-year hiatus, indie-rock stalwarts Longwave have returned with their fifth release, the solid and commanding Secrets Are Sinister. The album is full of the indie-pop sensibilities fans have come to expect from this tight quartet, led by singer-songwriter Steve Schlitz. Once again, the vocals are rich, full-throated and inviting.

Opening the disc is the flowing "Sirens in the Deep Sea"; following a simple opening, a wall of sound takes over, leaving the listener awash in what can only lead to a satisfying listening experience. The drums take the forefront toward the end of "No Direction," a single-ready track in the world of indie rock. Schlitz takes things down a notch on the mellower "The Devil and the Liar," almost recalling early '90s stalwarts The Ocean Blue. A long instrumental introduction leads into a melodic ride in which to catch your breath.

Returning to the enveloping cacophony of sound is "Life Is Wrong," followed by the guitar-drenched "Eyes Like Headlights" which finds Schlitz revealing, "There's no use/ the language you're speaking doesn't make sense." "I Don't Dare" gives us a relentless drum beat followed by an intriguing and memorable guitar line; this song is destined to stick in your head for days. The vocals kick in with Schlitz's trained and beautiful falsetto; you can't help but put this song at the top of your iPod playlist.

The last three songs on the disc—"It's True," "Shining Hours" and the title track—uphold the disc's early quality, with "Shining Hours" displaying the range of Schlitz's vocal skills, to say nothing of the band's ability to rock out. Now there's a concept: release an album that is gorgeous from beginning to end! Hooray to Longwave for such a quality release; this one's sure to make the band even more fans for life.

With Secrets Are Sinister, Longwave has proven their ability to remain at the top of their game. This one's a must for you melodic indie-rock fans. A | Laura Hamlett

RIYL: Snow Patrol, Swervedriver, Ride