8/10

When Bodega first delivered their debut album 'Endless Scroll' in 2018, there was a strong sense in the air that this new avenue through the post-punk sound was beginning to broaden. Something cleaner and far more engaging than the usual riff-raff, the band managed to inject a fresh and vibrant atmosphere into the scene, becoming one of the true torch-bearers to LCD Soundsystem's legacy. And now we have The Wants, and while they do include two members of Bodega in their ranks, the trio have looked not only to separate themselves from their formative outfit but pursue a more complex and multifaceted sound in the process.

What has been such a delight in the previews to this release has been the critical struggle to define their direction. So many have tried to nail them down and pigeonhole their intentions by making references to Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, Kraftwerk and so many more in order to try and give a sense to who The Wants are and want to be. But in all, they are their own sponge of musical influences, taking in the last 40 years of musical ambition and creativity, and unleashing a bold and adventurous collection that maintains familiar troupes but ultimately sits alone on the post-punk shelf.

'Container' is one of those albums that can really change the perspective of a new band looking to get into music. It sounds almost like nothing in recent times yet has this strong and captivating flow that never stops throwing up surprises. A stunning debut from a group that have a very bright future ahead.