“These Stars Are Monsters” is the witty title of Inkwell second album. The American indie rockers already impressed with their 2005 debut "Chaos reveals rhyme", but this time they are obviously aiming for a top ten rating in the indie charts. The opening track “Just Take The Monsters And Leave” surprises. Not just because of the energetic drum intro (slightly reminiscent to Supergrass “Pumpin’ Up The Stereo”), but also because of the excellent twist in melody, turning the track from a up tempo rocker into a powerful pop track (a Inkwell characteristic). The second track stands out for the clever use of AC/DC “Thunderstruck” guitar melody in the background, so the track sounds familiar from the first listening.

This time the twist comes in the end. The closing section is heavenly. “No You Drop It” is the first low tempo track. Again the warm drums and the excellent vocal melodies impress. This is the point where I’m getting the feeling that I’m holding a masterpiece of progressive pop music. The other eight tracks only confirm this feeling. “These Stars Are Monsters” is an excellent album by a two piece band that have the skills to write and record catchy progressive pop music with original ingredients. A powerful rhythm section, slightly awkward sounds, excellent breaks, a spiky punk edge (think recent Greenday) and some Hammond mayhem.