Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

For their second release on Tooth & Nail. Havalina have tightened up their sound so it's less chaotic but no less fun. Choosing to integrate a whole lot of cool jazzy and Latin sounds and a spy movie motif, this comes as a complete surprise after their debut. Again their choice of cover versions is inspiring; here we have a lounge version of "Paper Moon"! Great fun! But boy, are these boys eclectic, a didgeridoo introduces the atmospheric "Dominique's Library". Sometimes it feels as if they're inventing a new genre of music because there isn't anything that really sounds like this! If "Prelude" and "Blues" is a Sinatraesque piece of lounge music then "Hot Pants ' is pure Dylan! Overall, if you like your music quirky, humorous, rootsy and left field, hunt this one out. Completely creative and totally off the wall!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.