The last time I heard about Catatonia, lead vocalist Cerys Matthews was collaborating with the guys from Space on a tune called "The Ballad of Tom Jones" about a pair of arguing lovers who stop their car before it careens off a cliff because they hear a Tom Jones song on the radio and it forces them to rediscover their love. This project was not at all surprising-- after all, Catatonia are one of the most original acts around.

"I Am The Mob" is replete with references to the "Godfather" films. (The repeated chorus at the end of the song is "Luca Brasi/ Ah, he sleeps with the fishes.") It's edgy, in- your- face, and a welcome change from all that saccharine- sweet pop coming out of Europe these days. International Velvet's title track is sung completely in Welch, except for the chorus which is simply, "Every day when I wake up/ I thank the Lord I'm Welch." (Rumor has it that this is a big joke, but sadly, I'm not privy to the punchline.)

Most of the record is a kind of stick- to- the- basics style of music, so what really sets this record apart is Matthews' voice. Her vocals are constantly reaching and pushing the lyrics to the surface of the music, and this makes the band's work important, different, and just plain amazing. Matthews throws her whole self into the songs, and her passion is so true, you can't help but share it.

The catchy single "Mulder and Scully," referencing (of course) the popular sci-fi duo from the "X-Files" series, even has a video in rotation on MTV. Hopefully, this will be the one that breaks Catatonia to an American audience. The band surely deserves it, and frankly, so do we.

-Aparna Mohan