Being a big fan of these Scottish lads' previous work, I was shocked to find this new one doing a complete 180 on me. Their third studio album is a marked change, and it's not necessarily a good one. Whereas their past work was dynamic "sad bastard" rock with elements of post-rock and shoegaze, this new incarnation adds synthesizers and a glacial New Order/Joy Division vibe. Cool on it's own, but when it comes at the cost of the band's proven strengths, it's downright disappointing. Vocalist James Graham's thick and distinctive Scottish accent is still present, but the music on "No One Can Ever Know" seems like an entirely different band. "Not Sleeping" seems to drone on, going nowhere in particular. "Another Bed" is shimmery synthpop with a wall of keyboards that drown out the vocals. The single, "Sick", is the best, reminding me of Radiohead a bit.
I'd like to think that this album is a one-off experiment for the boys, as their anthemic rock hooks and emotional connection seem to have been detached here. (Fat Cat)
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