CD: CDVX2849
RELEASE DATE: 1998
LABEL: Virgin

01. Solved
02. Angel
03. Stone
04. Same Mistakes
05. Forget About Me
06. Settle Down
07. Finest Little Space
08. Building
09. Almost Here
10. Higher Than Reason
11. Be Ready

It's about time that one of NME's most hyped new bands actually lived up to the advance publicity. Garnering their fair share of media attention partly on the basis that frontman Andy Yorke is Thom Yorke's (Radiohead) brother, Unbelievable Truth has proven that they are not simply a Radiohead Jr. Possessing a moody, subtle edge that relies on largely acoustic arrangements and intricate dynamics, Unbelievable Truth has sculpted a set of compelling, introspective songs that form a cohesive artistic statement. There are elements of Suede's Dog Man Star and traces of emo influence here and there, but the band doesn't really fall squarely into any one musical camp. That's a good thing because based on powerful songs like "Solved, " "Higher Than Reason, " and "Same Mistakes, " the group is not falling prey to the derivativeness that often plagues bands on their first recordings. Oxford is certainly churning out its share of brilliant bands ? Radiohead, Supergrass, and The Candyskins ? and now Unbelievable Truth belong in that same class.