7/10

Having spent much of the last few years growing their fanbase and catching the odd break on national radio, Liverpudlian indie outfit Sugarmen have remained a largely outlooked group. But with the release of their debut album 'Local Freaks', it looks like their profile may finally get the push they have so sorely deserved.

Taking a strong influence from the Britpop sound, as well as more contemporary inspirations, 'Local Freaks' likes to see itself as a quintessential indie record. Yet while others have tried to accomplish a similar sound over the years, Sugarmen are one of those bands who don't take themselves too seriously and just want to have fun. This is kind of intention is rarely pulled off these days, yet this new release has enough gusto and punch to deliver on their direction and give us a fun and enjoyable record.

It seems strange to think given how much indie-pop music we were drowning in around a decade ago, but this kind of music is most certainly missed in these times. It is such a rare delight to find a band that are just in it for the sheer thrill of the moment, but Sugarmen definitely personify that original vision of a bunch of mates coming together to make some toe-tapping jams.