Music

This Hanwell-based outfit arrived two years ago amid a flurry of balloons and singalongs that won them fans as varied as The Chemical Brothers and Elton John. They, and thousands of others, were charmed by a super melodic indie soul, described by all and sundry as cheery, sunny and jolly. But a less happy side has since surfaced. It seems that all the touring – and all those jibes about their weight – has turned those smiles upside down here as they explore, more deeply, the subtle melancholy that lingered on their debut.

Unfortunately for them, perkiness suited them better. On much of this return, they sound in need of a kick up the arse as they wallow in coma-paced, indie-pop misery, reaching a nadir on the terminal ‘Slow Down (The Way It Goes)’, which gives the impression that the band are still in the rehearsal studio jamming on an idea. Sure, the harmonies still soothe; they kick off with some bouncy power-pop; ‘Undecided’ is a lovely stroll through country-soul; and ‘Goodnight’ is delightful, waltzing pop. But it’s just not enough. Even string arrangements from Robert Kirby, famed for his work with Nick Drake, can’t breathe life into these songs. Less a breezy return than a weak fart.