It's fair to say that this is what the record companies are looking for at the moment. It's probably also what the 'kids' want too. That doesn't mean it's wrong.

The Holiday Plan are still working on the premise that the simplest things work the best. There are no experimental drum breakdowns or any prog-rock guitar tendencies here, but rather fast, frantic and extremely melodic emo rock. Yes, the word emo - in today's musical climate - is perfectly acceptable to use. THP do grasp the concept that it's nothing new, but a hearty post-hardcore stance coupled with infectious pop-punking (lead track '_Wasting Time_'), and rough-edged melodies grating against big hooks and hefty backing vocals ('Green Lights & Stop Signs') will certainly stand the 'Plan in good stead.

Despite wearing their US influences on their sleeves with lighter-waving epics like 'Black Clouds Over Hackney' (Hot Water Music, **Jimmy Eat World**), there's something undeniably British about the East London lot, especially in Matt Rider's rasping vocals and the band's general bouncy outlook. It probably won't be long until they'll be joining the fraternity of UK rock currently led by Hundred Reasons and **Hell Is For Heroes**.

That'll be record labels 1, the kids 1, then.