The Raveonettes

Danish duo the Raveonettes have such a unique sound that it isn't hard to pick one of their songs out. Everything they've released since their debut has a feeling of déjà vu, with the band willingly painting themselves into a corner. That hasn't changed with album number four, In And Out Of Control. That doesn't mean it isn't an enjoyable album because it's the pair's best to date. They do sound more polished than in the past but ultimately, there's still a fuzzy garage sound that owes a debt to both '60s girl groups and the Jesus & Mary Chain. The twist this time is that they've moved their lyrics in a darker direction, and that wasn't the best decision. There's something uneasy in upbeat pop songs about rape, suicide and death, especially when they document them in a detached way that's unsettling. Fortunately, the words never threaten to overwhelm the layers of guitars and catchy tunes. In And Out Of Control manages to emerge as another worthy, if predictable, addition to the band's canon.