It's a shame the opening track of this New Zealand band's latest offering is a sombre and disappointingly dour, because this is an album of dreamy-pop tracks that bursts into life with their second and title track.

From then on the pace lifts, the lyrics engage and the album skips through pacy acoustic guitars and harmonious choruses.

Six-piece Phoenix Foundation have been together for over a decade, and the album has received numerous awards down under.

Buffalo is already featuring as background music to many high profile TV slots, and the band are making some European appearances this autumn.

If you like medium tempo, synthesiser driven, catchy sing-along sounds this will make your day.

It's one of the stand-out albums of the year in this genre.

Gary Baker