8/10

Over the last five years, Brighton-based outfit Chappaqua Wrestling have been steadily building a strong and confident repertoire of dynamic releases. While very much influenced by the nostalgic Britpop sound to date, the band have also looked to invite a menagerie of distinctive inspirations into their style, developing a wonderfully broad and inventive aesthetic that has served them extremely well up until now. And after a few years of slowly serving out singles, they now release their long-awaited debut studio album 'Plus Ultra', a record that looks to bring all of those intentions under one roof.

While the Britpop comparisons remain a staple throughout 'Plus Ultra', Chappaqua Wrestling have also been keen on the post-punk and shoegaze genres on recent offerings, and this is exactly the mix of directions they pursue throughout their first full-length. Capturing this wonderfully dense and immersive atmosphere that soars and sweeps as often as possible, their newest record makes for a rousing introduction to their unique style, creating this brilliantly inviting listen that pumps plenty of fresh and inspired ideas throughout.

It may have arrived upon a wave of hype in the last few years, but 'Plus Ultra' certainly delivers what their devout fanbase have been hoping for. Not just simple revivalists to those much-loved eras, Chappaqua Wrestling are an adventurous and progressive group that pack plenty of intrigue into almost everything they deliver.