Something has happened to indie music in the last couple of years: it's gone all polite. Instead of trying to shock their parents' generation, the likes of Travis and Coldplay are making inoffensive, melodic records that anyone can enjoy - and enjoying huge success in the process. Now the inevitable host of imitators are striving to make their voices heard and Mancunian four-piece Haven are at the head of the pack. Brooding and windswept, Haven play the same well-worn brand of maudlin indie-rock that sounds vaguely alternative but is in fact tailor-made for daytime radio. Produced by Johnny Marr, their debut album, is an enjoyable, well-crafted collection of low-key anthems which pushes all the right emotional buttons without ever producing anything really exciting or original. Between The Senses won't change anyone's life, but in an age where comfortable familiarity is valued over innovation, Haven could go far.
