Usually any music that could be described as "quirky" or even "kooky" stops me dead in my tracks before I turn tail and head, running for the hills. However, there are some notable exceptions-I really like some of the soundtrack to the film Juno that is provided by Kimya Dawson. Whether this is really quirky might be open to discussion. Key of V could easily be described as having an element of quirk within their songs and in this case I am not in the process of heading for any mountainous region.

Key of V is a sisterly duo, Erin and Val La Cerra, self-described as "lo-fi, psychedelic punk" and there certainly is a lo-fi quality to this recording, albeit one that is not muddied and lacking clarity for the listener. I wouldn't really comment on the use of "psychedelic" but there is a punk ethos on display in that the sisters really do have a social awareness that they like to put forward within their songs.

Across the seven (one is a "hidden") tracks I'd say that the music has a big folk feel to it with the odd hint of melancholy, but there are also dashes of more poppy moments that provide some very catchy refrains, some of which I find myself singing first thing in the morning. Throw in an indie sensibility and this is an intriguing package that works quite well for me.

The use of a variety of stringed instruments to create the music is one of the reasons I like this and with distinctive vocals, Key of V succeed in keeping my attention from start to finish: always the first sign of a half decent release.

The lyrics help convey the social awareness of the band and they are used in an entertaining way as opposed to ramming ideas down the listeners throats. I also find it interesting that on "Bee" the voice of Marlene Dietrich seems to have been channeled to make an appearance-that or the sisters are very good at doing an unintentional impression of the German actress/singer. The one other person that this recording gets me thinking of is Kate Bush: not very punk I grant you but there is a uniqueness to be found within Key of V that is also found in the British chanteuse.

Key of V is fresh-sounding, slightly off the wall and enjoyable: I'd imagine they'd be worth checking out live as well as on disc.