My initial 'research' on Jonquil was turning up lots of horticultural references (roughly its posh gardeners speak for the daffodil family) but eventually I tracked this band down to the Oxford bedroom of one Hugo Manuel. There Jonquil was born as a one man recording project that has since grown into a loose collective of a band. A post-adolescent (but still periodically screechy-voiced) Adrian Mole aims for a folksy Thom York after absconding with Beirut's tour van full of instruments. If that doesn't sound altogether inviting, then don't fret - it's actually rather brilliant, in a low-key folktronica Greensleeves gets a kick up the arse kind of way. There is, in fact, relatively little in the way of electronics other than the inter-track ambient sound effects. More prominent is the orchestration of a relaxed Penguin Cafe Orchestra and the rural chorus that is the coming together of an indie updating of traditional singing in the round with football terrace chanting - a pasty Beachboys in replica away-strip with cider in hand. Manuel's voice did take a couple of listens to get used to, but the overall effect of the album is one of a soothing continuum, beginning with the fade-in wordless voice cycle of 'Lily' that bleeds into the glorious acoustic romp of 'Sudden Sun' - a nice way to start the day I've discovered. 'Pencil, Paper' has a more traditional, even medieval, flavour (with vocals bordering on the Elizabethan Blackadder theme) but, like many tracks, is mildly hypnotic - an atmosphere that only the rumbustuous 'Babe, So Now Why No?' punctures with its tale of relationship breakdown over a clattering beat and Balkan brass. A pretty instrumental of trumpet over raindrop-chiming xylophone percussion leads into the title track - an accordion sea shanty with nonsense lyrics describing the wiping out of humans and the domination of the world by lions. Highlight of the second half is 'Magdalen Bridge'. Its lush harmonies put me back in tranquil mood for the trio of lilting tracks that follow.My only criticism is that it might be a couple of tracks too long - not like me to decry value for money, but I never seem to be able to fit a full listen into one sitting. 'Here's To The Little Man' would get my vote for the chop - a rather laboured voice plus acoustic guitar tune that is too much sixth-former blues for me. It is difficult to imagine something more diametrically opposed to the sound of label-mates Foals, but I know which I prefer - and full marks to Try Harder for diversity. Label owner Alan English's fellow Youthmovies' band member Andrew Mears is a flitting member of Jonquil as well as being original singer for Foals - nice to see 'musical differences' getting resolved amicably for once. Anyway, anyone who has an ear for the likes of Tunng should seek this out this muted gem - it deserves to sparkle in the glow of more publicity. And finally a warning - don't play this early in the morning - it'll have you rolling over and turning off the alarm clock to carry on your dreamy listening as the sun peeks through the curtain. 82%Links Jonquil [myspace]