Does space pop sans Bowie's various oddities sound good? Well, it is. Just check out the Mystery Jets' album Zootime: twelve tracks stacked with out-of-this world vamping and powerfully charged vocals.

Mystery Jets launched their eclectic music career as a group of kids growing up on Eel Pie Island, probably pissing off the neighbors on the small English island town with their impromptu jam sessions and the annual White Cross Revival: a series of extravagant palooza-style parties which featured as many bands as possible in one night.

But not everyone looked down on the post-punk quartet -- especially not their parents. In fact, Henry Harrison, father to lead vocalist Blaine, was part of the line up during the Mystery Jets' first gigs, and while he is no longer considered a regular member, he still accompanies the Jets on tours, picking up and plucking his guitar every now and then.

The steadfast trio now backing Blaine is William Recs, Kai Fish and Kapil Trivedi, and the four of them together produce a sound similar to indie pop rockers Franz Ferdinand and Modest Mouse (including alluring accents and occasional soprano-style high notes).

From the driving beat and Irish jig-like chant that introduces Scarecrows In The Rain to the tingly cheering that brings in Zootime , this first album is a non-stop flight of fun, packed with pulsing rhythms and addictive lyrics. On top of all the traditional instrumental flair, there is an electronic element weaved into tracks that really turns things up a notch (like in Purple Prose of Cairo and the closer, Crosswords ). The fusing of static, tin-pan, and other sounds with traditional rock 'n roll makes for a really interesting blend.

Zootime bridged the gap between longtime UK fans and new audiences across the pond, and Mystery Jets have only been taking off ever since.

Additional Tracks:
Diamonds In The Dark
You Can't Fool Me Dennis

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