Second album of catchy futurism should put them firmly on the map.

listen to alpinestars interview

It could be said that Alpinestars are New Order, Jean Michel Jarre, Daft punk, Kraftwerk and Depeche Mode, all rolled up in one tight reefer and lit with the sound of now... but that would be silly.

They are infact Glyn Thomas and Richard Woolgar; a pair of songwriters from Manchester who use a lot of synthy electronica in their work. A bit like the Pet Shop Boys but (a lot) better.

Their second album White Noise, takes the electro-kitsch blueprint of their debut and adds an extra layer of songwriting, melody and traditional instrumentation giving them a wider appeal than, say, Fischerspooner or other Electroclashers.

Alongside the singles Snow Patrol and Carbon Kid (with Placebo's Brian Molko), are a selection of candy coated tunes; some sweet and flavoursome, some a bit yuck like the New Order-esque Vital Love Disciple. Burning Up, however is a beauty and deserves it's place on the acclaimed City Rockers' Futurism compilation, not to mention your stereo.

Some will hate this album, calling it soulless pop, but as Air proved with Moon Safari, there's no substitute for an infectious melody and White Noise might just be catching. AL 14 June 02

White Noise, released 17 June 02 on Riverman Records.