Personnel includes: Jez Williams (acoustic & electric guitars); John Male, Paul Cartlidge (guitar); Dave Arch (piano); Pete Davis (keyboards, programming).

Recorded at Republica, Workhouse and Milo Studios, London, England.

Personnel: Jonny Male, Paul Cartlidge (guitar); Jez Williams (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Dave Arch (piano); Pete Davis (keyboards, programming); Joe Vitale, Ben Grosse (programming).

Audio Mixers: Phil Dane; Republica; Ben Grosse.

Photographer: James Fry.

If you need a fix of British club music, but you're not quite ready to forsake your fondness for pop songcraft and distinctive performances, then Republica, a British quintet that spikes its modern rock with snappy synths and drum machines, may be just what you're looking for. On its debut, Republica keeps the bpm high enough to move your feet while employing enough pop smarts to catch your ear.

Those who are enamored of modern rock but tired of the sameness of many post-grunge guitar bands may find this album to be a breath of fresh air. Free of the alienation and cynicism that plague much of contemporary pop, the lyrics on REPUBLICA are largely celebratory, promoting the joys of life and advocating partying over navel-gazing introspection. With cutting-edge production and dense, arresting arrangements, this is an album that will capture as much attention in the living room as on the dance floor.