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There's something rather disarming about this third album from the London trio called ROC. Their trip-pop sound should appeal to fans of St. Etienne, Darla Records' "drum & bliss" releases, and the poptronica of Mint Royale. Things get off to kind of a bad start with "River," with its super-cliché "river of life" lyrics, but things get better from there, and some of the lyrics later in the album are refreshingly frank and plainspoken, and not without their barbs, like this line from "Just One Thing": "Sometimes you have to work for what you want or people leave you." The album hits high points with "Sink a Bite Into Life" and "Soviva." Karen Sheridan alternates vocals with Fred Browning throughout; her singing is reminiscent of Sarah Cracknell's, and his is conspiratorial and charmingly accented. This album isn't without its flaws — there are a couple of low points, the bonus tracks don't add anything, and the sound is somewhat dated and not the most original — but there's a real earnestness and honesty on display here, and I couldn't help but be embraced by its charms. (mike.08.06)
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