Hunger Witchita****

The influence of Orange Juice lingers long over the debut from Sunderland band Frankie & The Heartstrings – and not just because Edywn Collins was sitting in the studio. Like Orange Juice (and, indeed, Dexy's Midnight Runners in their soul guise, another clear sounding board for this album), there's a purity of vision and an authentic passion to Frankie Francis and his gang's brand of shamelessly throwback pop. Sure, it's a sound bedecked in retro bows and ribbons, but the energy and drive on display prevents Hungerfrom falling down a 1980s rabbit hole. Brilliant jangling guitars, Francis' easy-on-the-ear croon (his voice swoons and swoops like a doo-wop teen on prom night) and some crafty, smart songwriting makes Hunger a real buzz. Don't be surprised if you find yourself falling especially hard for Ungrateful, Tenderand the infectious title track. See frankieandtheheart strings.com

Download tracks: Ungrateful, Tender, Hunger