Vehicles and Animals

Depending on who you ask, Athlete are either Britain’s answer to Pavement, the new Steely Dan, or The Beta Band’s little brothers. Formed in 2000 by four friends who have known each other since the age of 14, Athlete were one of last year’s most talked-about new bands in England. "Vehicles and Animals," their debut album, is a radiant blend of soulful indie rock and shiny pop sensibilities. London Times hailed it as "a British pop gem," while Q Magazine called it a "great record, guilelessly cheery and knowingly witty in equal measure."