It was around two years ago that I first saw Athlete play in a local venue that did the band no sonic favours at all. But the band’s quality, distinction and good song writing managed to survive the very unfriendly ambience. The band’s debut album followed ad met with virtually unanimous acclaim, and a (deserved) Mercury Prize nomination. TOURIST is the latest chapter for a band that has continued to hone its skills with relentless gigging. In short, if anyone deserves success it’s Athlete.

The opening track, Chances, is a beauty with its initial simple, solo piano opening, moving and expressive vocal, epic instrumental crescendos, lovely lyrics and a melody that should see the song fly in the charts. It’s very special and challenges the rest of the album to come up to its standard – a real challenge. Half Light is next and exhibits a somewhat lighter pop ambience as it rolls along. It’s pleasant but not great. Third track, Tourist, is far more interesting as it ambles along with inventive instrumental moments, and a soulful vocal. It’s an honest love song that hits the mark aided by orchestral flourishes and another very strong melody. The downbeat vibe continues with the keyboard led, and contemplative love song, Trading Air. The sentiments are involving and sincere: “I don’t want anyone else, all I want is you…” It’s an effective and believable song with yet another super melody. Wires continues the gentle, moving vibe with a song that could well be flying single number two. Like the opening track it is a mix of the simple and the epic cemented by a Captain Hook of a melody, great vocal and expansive instrumental flourishes. The pace gathers a little towards the end of the record with songs like the rocky and inventive Modern Mafia, but in essence this is a collection of gentle, bittersweet, and intelligent love songs.

TOURIST is a beautiful, languid-paced pop/rock album that should finally nail the band’s position as one of Britain’s best. And it couldn’t happen to a nicer, more genuine bunch of lads.

4/5