Supergrass - Life On Other Planets

While they might have started out with sugar-rush singles like "Caught By The Fuzz" and "Alright" (the latter appearing in everything from Clueless to Intel computer ads, not to mention being catchy enough to inspire Steven Spielberg to try and woo the group into doing a Monkees-like television show), Supergrass have grown up over the course of four albums. Or, at the very least, smoked more than a fair amount of their namesake. One way or another, the classic-rock infused Life On Other Planets strikes a rare balance; it's sonically mature and diverse, yet no less infectious as the 'Grass' past output. The signature rave-ups are still in fine form, as apparent lead-off single "Rush Hour Soul" and "Never Done Nothing Like That Before" attest. However, this time around, the amphetamine drumming is enhanced by washes of atmospheric organ and keyboard fills (thanks to Beck and Air cohort Tony Hoffer manning the boards, one might reckon). Supergrass prove just as adept on the leisurely haze of "Evening of the Day" - yet don't peg this for a weeded-out jam session though. "Grace" and "La Song" rock out on some serious Bowie/T-Rex glam sheeeit, and help propel the disc to spaced-out orbits worthy of it's title. Gaz and co continue their streak of solid, enjoyable discs with Life On Other Planets, proving that artistic growth need not be synonomous with "boring." Praise be 'Grass - these kids are more than "Alright." [www.supergrass.com]