We Are Pilots is, for the third time, Shiny Toy Guns’ debut album – after two previous independent releases in 2005, this major label version (with somewhat different track listing and new artwork) is even officially labelled ‘version 3.0’. As to what the band have been doing in the intervening time, there was an internet rumour alleging that Carah Faye Charnow was actually the vocalist on Paris Hilton’s debut album, but – even aside from libel worries – the surprising polish of this final release suggests the band were holed up lovingly honing their debut in preparation for world domination.

Unfortunately, the delay just might prove costly, for just a couple of years ago several bands enjoyed considerable commercial success by recycling New Order and 80s new wave records. Whether or not Shiny Toy Guns will be able to catch on to the coattails of this trend only time will tell, but certainly they’re as capable as many others out there. Forthcoming single ‘You Are The One’ sounds very much like The Bravery, while elsewhere Carah’s female vocals are more reminiscent of Client (most notably, perhaps, on ‘Don’t Cry Out’) than Ms Hilton.

This isn’t to say the band are mere revivalists. They cleverly blend male and female vocals – sometimes in individual songs, sometimes one or the other dominating – and both up- and down-tempo styles to create an album that is both varied and yet unified. Perhaps the best comparisons are to other boy/girl combinations, like Kill City or fellow synth-poppers The Modern/Matinee Club, but hopefully Shiny Toy Guns will finally achieve the success they deserve. Given the popularity of former single ‘Le Disko’ on their MySpace, and their recent support slot to The Rapture, it could just be third time lucky for them.

(4˝/5)