The Faint are a Nebraskan five piece who look, from a distance, a bit like The Strokes. The moody expressions and the tight fitting clothes, et al. But whereas The Strokes embrace the Iggy Pop/Stooges chapter of pop, The Faint take their inspiration from our very own Eighties Pop Kings Soft Cell and Heaven 17. Now there's two names I bet you never thought you'd see on DrownedinSound.

"Agenda Suicide", their debut British single, is as dirty and dark a record you're likely to hear this year. From it's menacing, eerie lyrics to the slightly ridiculous drawl of lead singer, Todd Baechle's voice, it astounds and amazes. He's clearly taking it all very seriously. Which also makes it very funny. Notoriously uneasy listening, it’s not a record to be played at night; cos you won’t sleep for days.

In an age where lack of imagination and innovation dog even the best American bands, raise a glass to The Faint. Just make sure you hide "The Best 80's Album In The World...Ever!!" if they ever come round.