Review: Lau - Race the Loser

While the primary instrumentation may be acoustic and the band utilise the jigs and reels in their arsenal, the twists and turns of the song structures is far from traditional and some subtle electronic touches help things along too, notably on Far From Portland.

Throwing Pennies is a delight, showing off Kris Drever's superb vocals while the mournful Saint Monday is an evocative, beautifully sung exploration of ageing.

A sterling production job throughout by Tucker Martine (REM, The Decemberists) adds to the steely mood of the album.

Race the Loser could easily be filed next to Diamond Mine by King Creosote and John Hopkins: it's a confident, assured record from a group stretching themselves and achieving great things.