The OthersThe OthersReview

Over the last nine months, The Others have left a trail of mass destruction across the streets of London. Ever since they hijacked a tube with their army of hardcore stage diving fans - 'The 853' -they've been getting massive media attention.

Whether it's playing unplanned gigs at Radio 1 or scheduled shows around the UK, nobody has been able to cope with the Others armada of followers or their riotous stage presence.

Their self-titled debut reflects this same sense of wildunpredictability; it's rough, ready and politically driven, but there are gaping cracks here as well.

Pied-piping frontman Dominic Masters' lyrics are undeniably honest and open but they are also downright juvenile at times. 'I always wanted a lover and now I've got that now' ("Johan") is one line of many that could have been penned by a six-year-old.

The majority of the songs here have also lost that spiky riotous edge they brought to the stage. Both the heart warming testament to their fans, "Community 853", and the solemn "Darren, Daniel, Dave" fall way short of the throttling renditions they have so regularly kicked out on the live circuit.

Yet while the album does have its pitfalls, it also has moments of glory. "How I Nearly Lost You", a tale of near-fatal overindulgence, is ultimately lifted by an infectious bass line and fuzzy guitar riff, driven by the despairing words: 'Have we done too much this time? I said. Have we reached that point again? I cried.'

Dominic is a tabloid journalist's dream; he's mates with Pete Doherty, has a transsexual boyfriend called Johan and takes drugs on a regular basis. "Psychovision" is a shocking insight into his messed-up childhood: 'I never grew up with my Mum or Dad. My Mum dealt from a terrace house. I did acid before I smoked hash. I never wanted to sell my a**.'

The album's finest moment is saved almost until the end with the two fingered salute that is "This Is For The Poor". Opening with a killer bassline, this politically charged punk anthem explodes into a ferocious chorus. Again the lyrical content lacks subtlety and Dominic's take on class dissention is suspect. But by this point you'll be so sucked in by the moshing finale that you just won't care.

The Others have undoubtedly brought something fresh to the table with this off-the-wall debut even if it's not the Definitely Maybe they've been promising everybody.