RECORD OF THE WEEK - FRANKIE & THE HEARTSTRINGS, Hunger

SUNDERLAND five-piece Frankie & the Heartstrings are thrilling live.
Thankfully debut album Hunger hasn’t polished away the urgency of their snappy, bare style or frontman Frankie Francis’ distinctive north-eastern accent.
Although drawing many comparisons to 80s bands such as Dexy's Midnight Runners, there's a distinct flavour of The Jam in here, most audible in single Hunger, released on a limited 7" vinyl last year, but on wide release next month.
Definitely one for the download list.
Hunger was recorded at West Heath Studios, produced by Edwyn Collins (quiff-lovers unite), and is out on Feb 21, when the band play an NME Awards Show at Heaven.