As part of the ‘Paris is Burning’ crew that included the likes of Air and Daft Punk, Phoenix were the indie pop band in the midst of electronica, delivering guitars and pop melodies in lieu of electronic bleeps and blips.

As such, they stood out then, and it’s the songs found on third album It’s Never Been Like That that continue to find them doing their own thing. They’re not as straight as some of their contemporaries, using clever change-ups in tempo on the likes of “Consolation Prizes” that make them stand out from their peers.

But the question has become as to whom their peers actually are – elements of It’s Never Been Like That have the edginess of the first two albums by the Strokes, but without darker touches of the New York five-piece. Instead, Phoenix use squelching bass coupled with jangling guitars on the likes of “Long Distance Call” to create a distinct effect, while the instrumental “North” is very impressive indeed.

So as much as Phoenix are clearly influenced by what’s happening in pop music, there’s something strikingly different about this band, and they’ve clearly got their own thing happening. “Courtesy Laughs” is sure-fire winner, and is typical of what Phoenix do – they make pop music without ever seeming to get out of second gear. As such, they’re easy and breezy, but undoubtedly charming.