Following a turbulent period, including the departure of the band’s lead singer, The Concretes have got their act together (literally) to create a third album. Taking over vocal duties is the band’s drummer Lisa Milberg, and by composing songs based around her vocal capabilities the band has produced a likeable but unremarkable album.

Opener Hey Trouble is a sweet, Flaming Lips type song with much emphasis placed on the rather intriguing vocal and instrumental sounds. Next up is A Whales Heart, a pop-rock song with booming bass line, echoed vocals and Spector-esque production. One is also made aware here of Milberg’s limited vocal capabilities although the song makes the most of what she possesses. Kids is next and offers up a more jagged vibe and another set of simple lyrics sung in almost talking style by Milberg. So far it’s been pretty disposable pop-rock - nothing too bad, nothing that good. Didion and Oh Boy up the stakes a tad with their fractionally darker ambience and brass instrumental moments. Melody-wise, you couldn’t fault the band, while harmonies are both distinctive and strong. But I’m struggling to find something to really latch on to, and even the rockier, Keep Yours fails to light my fire. Pick of the bunch are the haunting simplicity of Oh No and final track Simple Song. Not a bad record, but not a great one either…

3.5/5