By Russell Barker
So, what do you expect from a band that sounds like they're named after a firm of bike couriers? Actually, well crafted indie pop with a bite.
'Everyone Has To Meet Somewhere' is like a softer, slower Wedding Present. 'Suits', although tweer works better, the twinkling melodies and John's vocals sounding at times distant yet reassuring. In some ways it's rather like The Brilliant Corners, wry yet fun.
'Student Nurse' rides on a wave of keyboards, Sharon being allowed more to the fore and trading verses. 'Foolscap' has some great atmospheric synths and rumbling drums, it sounds a bit like The Long Blondes did on their first album. 'Cricket Bat' is another great melody, with Joe Meek keyboards and cracking shouty bits, which are the least threatening threats you ever heard. 'Higher Education' reminds you of the blissful days of youth, stabbing keys, wistful lyrics and a spoken word interlude.
Just like the Inspiral Carpets, the keyboard plays an important in The Gresham Flyers songs, which is shown by the many players and multitudes of different keyboard played on the album. If you were to distil 'Popcorn' into an indie solution, it might sound something like 'Shiftwork'. 'Clockwatching' is a seedy thing, reminiscent of some of Pulp's better, more sinister moments. After the lovely 'Red Nose Day' 'Falling Down' makes me realise just how much this reminds of Brilliant Corners, not in a copyist way, just that they seem to be coming from the same place.