Given the recent success of Biffy Clyro/Sucioperro offshoot Marmaduke Duke, it's probably safe to say that JP Reid's alt-rock hair bears are on the verge of following sound and lookalikes Biffy into bigger and better things in 2009. This gives 'Pain Agency' an even bigger sense of urgency than the usual sophomore nonsense, and makes it all the more relieving that the record not only builds on the strengths of its predecessor, but actually throws in a few genuine surprises.

    Within the usual streams of atmospheric bliss-rock come heavier moments that almost drift into metal territory  - 'Mum's Bad Punk Music' and 'Hate Filters' being the most noticeable – as well as some genuine fret-splitting shredding ('No. 273') and even a cheeky sambra breakdown or two ('Conception Territory'). It's a surprisingly diverse mixture and grants the Scots the privilege of moving well away from the shadows of their peers and side projects and into a whole new league of their own. 'Mon the 'Perro!

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