One of my biggest regrets is that I took up a woodwind instead of stringed instrument. At the time, of course, the demure, ‘put your lips together and blow’ flute seemed like the right choice, but years later I always wish I’d make my parents stick it out and listen to the sound of a thousand dying cats that is learning the violin.And since then I’ve always been a sucker for a string section, So the fact that The Young Republic open their second album with ‘Introduction’ ”“ a flourish of trembling strings ”“ had me on board hook, line and sinker.However, Balletesque, it transpires, is not an album of sweeping strings, pirouettes and graceful moves. Instead, it’s an all-American anti-hero romp through Tom Waits to Bob Dylan to Smashing Pumpkins to Brendan Benson to Cold War Kids.'The Alchemist' builds from trot to a jaunty brass led number, to a violin solo interlude, ending in full on galloping rock ”“ hugely reminiscent of 'Tonight, Tonight' by the Smashing Pumpkins with strings leaping all over the place and impassioned wailing from Julian Saporiti.So, not a flute in sight on this album, but an excellent display of how many ways you can use a violin in one album. A fair few, if you’re The Young Republic. In 'Sam Clemens' they employ a Beatles sound, with whimsical, rambling lyrics and supporting strings. In 'Tidal Waves' there’s a full on orchestra, building up into a frenzy, and 'Autumns in the Trees' is lovely enough to be a soundtrack on a Disney film. (The good kind).The variety of styles and genres is huge, but are at the same time all united by themes of hardship, anti-establishment, and having a good old knees-up. Whilst at times it stops the album having a linear feel to it, it’s worth it for the sheer interest and variety of tracks The Young Republic produce. And proof that it still possible to make classic sounding music with a modern twist.Has anyone got a violin going cheap?

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