To suggest that 'Good Things' refuses to sit still would be an understatement.

Time may feel very important to a band with the name Half Past Four. However it is something that this Canadian-based art-rock quintet always seem to have on their side. Nine years passed between their inception and first album proper, the wonderfully titled 'Rabbit In The Vestibule' in 2008, with another five years oozing by before we are delivered 'Good Things'. During that time this act have spent a serious amount of hours honing their skills in the live arena, something which has paid off in fine style, 'Good Things' being an album which positively brims with a gentle, well placed confidence.

Often in a band it is easy to single out aspects or band members that make the whole operation click. Here however we find an outfit intent on mixing dazzling chops with considered execution, clinically precise time changes to emotional music. Add a depth and intricacy that ensures a strong initial impression only grows with every subsequent experience and there really is little to fault. Some may find a few of the aspects mentioned self indulgent, or simply one too many to cram into a single album, however for the more adventurous this always melodious music is not to be missed.

'Cool Water' roams the boundaries between brooding, threatening, jaunty and playful, 'Landmines' adds a jazzy cool as an almost kiddie like keyboard motif plays against a singing guitar solo and guttural riff. Add to that 'Rise' which veers madly between easy going beats and harmony vocals. Oh and surfer rock grooves! Or 'Spin The Girl' where Russian Cossack shouts are employed in the centre of a manic vocal joust and piano/keyboard gallop, and to suggest that 'Good Things' refuses to sit still would be an understatement.

They say 'Good Things' come to those who wait. Well, it would be fair to suggest Half Past Four's patience has been richly rewarded.

Steven Reid