THIRTEEN years... that's how long I've been urging on The Frames, not once suspecting they had an album this good in them.

They have always been a good listen - from the moment Glen Hansard's band sprang to fame on the back of his appearance in 1992's The Commitments. Early single Masquerade still warrants heavy rotation on the stereo. But this is more. This is majestic, full of intimate ferocity. Be it the anthemic Finally, the roaring Underglass or the skin-crawling Sideways Down, this is music to kick down doors. If this isn't the album of the year, it's going to take some beating.

Updated: 09:00 Thursday, February 24, 2005