I have no idea how they do it, but Athlete sure has a way with timing their releases just right. Just as the weather is getting warmer (at least theoretically), the shimmery, summery pop act from Deptford, South London (how a band from London is this adept at writing warm weather jams is beyond me, but more power to them), have dropped their debut album, Vehicles & Animals. Encompassing bits of Beck, Coldplay and Beta Band, this quartet achieves effortless pop perfection on any number of songs. The singles are all in attendance (”Beautiful,” “You Got The Style,” “Westside” and newest chartmaker, “El Salvador”), but this album is much deeper than that. Jangling guitars, pulsing synths, shuffly percussion and computerized beats all blend together for the perfect accompaniment to the beach, a picnic, or just lounging around in the sun. It’s just begging to be the soundtrack to your life, spring 2004. Let it.

Athlete
Astralwerks

1. We The Vehicles
2. Athlete In Training For US Gigs, Album Release
3. Westside
4. Super Furry Animals To Release Under The Influence Compilation
5. Super Furry Animals Announce 2008 Tour