Park Rd: The Novel (Loop/digital outlets)

This Auckland five-piece have established themselves as live favourites at festivals here and in Australia, and drawn attention to this 13-song debut album by releasing five strong – possibly even their strongest – songs already.

Singer Tom Chamberlain has one of those pleading voices which nudges into soulful hurt (Hey Hello, the interesting Asleep:Awake, Tonight I, I Don't Wanna Know) and they craft mostly short, focused pop-rock with wide appeal (the excellent Secrets, Call Me Up which is perhaps just too short), even if they sometimes come up short in the lyrics department.

The bristling guitars and riffery of Save the Planet elevate it although Chamberlain doesn't push his familiar range to fully exploit the energy lead guitarist Angus Hampton-Carr (who gets away some pointed and tasty playing in too-few places) pours into his tight'n'terrific solo.

The short acoustic Postcard might seem slight but hints at a band with a few more arrows in its quiver than straight-ahead indie.rock. And the muscular Did It Anyway also takes an interesting left turn from the template, although still manages to stamp in their brand of singalong choruses.

The most engagingly different song here is Ride with a more ambitious construction, backing vocals and shifting dynamics, all within their signature style.

The final song Every Night taps into a touch of Chili Pepper's funk and – speak this low – maybe even a little Avantdale Bowling Club rap in its opening overs. But then they default to their overly familiar, catchy singalong bit based around the title before inexplicably fading just as the guitar solo seems to be taking off. It sounds more like just a few radio-friendly ideas pulled together than a coherent song.

The Novel may not tell a gripping story full of interesting characters and plot details, but it's an assured debut from a band which caters well to its audience/demographic and which should now give them -- especially singer Chamberlain who mines the same vein -- the confidence to push themselves even further.

For their own sake.

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You can hear and buy this album at bandcamp here