It’s powerful yet simple, compelling yet understated, all the while managing to remain moody and romantic. Think toned-down Killers meets a cleaner version of Joy Division and you've constructed a sensation. This sensation comes in the form of British alternative rock outfit, White Lies. 'To Lose My Life' is their magical debut album.

From the soulful, instrumental sounds heard on 'Nothing to Give' to the title track’s catchy new wave feel, to the triumph of 'Farewell to the Fairground', this album gives the listener a taste of the best that alternative can be. And boy does it taste good.

There's no doubt that the lyrics are morbid and slightly influenced by the macabre, but they scream originality and are, in fact, strangely inspirational. In the words of Charles Cave, bassist and lyricist for White Lies: "We're not depressed people, we are introspective. We all think about whatever we're doing with great intensity."

It's no holds barred with White Lies; singing of game shows and kidnappings on 'Price of Love', the fear of disappearing into oblivion on 'Death', while other tracks simply centre on the concepts of death and love combined.

The three West London lads have produced an album that undoubtedly attacks the post-punk revival scene to its very core. While it may have received mixed reviews from the world's media, 'To Lose My Life' debuted at No.1 on the UK Albums Chart.

NME says: "Dark Music never sounded so luminous." Oh, how right they are. This album may not feature your run of the mill uplifting Coldplay single and it certainly won't leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. But when that intensity takes hold of you and tightens its grip, you will never be released from the haunting sounds of White Lies.

'To Lose My Life' is truly epic beyond imagination.