Arctic Monkeys have used the story-telling song device pretty successfully, but Jellobox have taken a more acoustic indie approach, favoured by the Goo Goo Dolls.

The Murder of Sugar Red introduces the melodrama, pulsing softly with guitars and synths.

Then comes Penny Engine Lane, a heart-crippling tale sung in a manner that makes you wonder about the pain this place might have caused.

Devil In You is a nice acoustic number that echoes Savage Garden's Two Beds and A Coffee Machine, haunted by the melody line of the guitar. Shame (You Had to Let Me Down), meanwhile, adds a lick of speed that's needed for the upbeat pace of the story.

Priceless is slightly more confusing with a jumping pattern, but Molly's Angel will be the one track that sticks in your head (and wait until you get to the piano version at the end of the CD, a credit to the quality of the song).

Green Eyed Monster uses a subtle swagger to tell of a jealous man, before Stole Herself A Satellite relates the tale of a disgruntled female who's unsure of her paths.

Addicted brings back memories through a familiar-sounded riff and Passing Time takes a stab at politics in a Bob Marley manner (but without the reggae).

Drift Away does as the track says, and this is where the story starts to fade.

Twelve Tall Stories has the essence of something that could be great, but lacks something that you just can't pinpoint… an instrument? Some more backing-vocals?

Whatever it is, let's hope it's picked up on and leads to a more tantalising sequel.

AKIRA PAUK

Twelve Tall Stories is available from Hudson's Music and Frets and Keys, Chesterfield, priced £7.

Jellobox play Sheffield's Boardwalk on January 24.