Hailing from Boston but “relocating to Nashville”, The Young Republic are a cauldron of energy.

Taking the bluesy bite of some of the White Stripes more likeable offerings, then blending it with chamber pop, orchestral arrangements and some powerful rock elements might have the potential for disaster - but The Young Republic pull it off.

Singer Julian Saporiti flits between the harsh tones of Walkmen vocalist Hamilton Leithauser and the choked yelp of Win Butler; in fact traces of Arcade Fire - who are becoming ubiquitous in influence-spotting - can be detected throughout this album.

There are some very promising signs here, in particular ‘Modern Plays’ and ‘Girl From the Northern States’ are worthy of a few spins, and the degree of sonic variation that the band are capable of certainly keeps each track fresh and different from the last.

Perhaps, with carefully diplomatic international relations, this Young Republic could grow into a superpower.

Mike Bloss