Review:

on 2011-09-04 SirEdwinCBE Said:

Opener "Alright" is more than alright  a full, layered, punchy song with a lot more going on than we've come to expect from McKell, Ross & Gill. Straight off the bat they've made changes and they sound more like a group, instead of the augmented individual that they sounded like before.

"Four Leaf Clover" is rich in its arrangment, and smart in its delivery. Those clever lyrics are back again in full force, working well with the whisky drinking, ciggarrete smoking chanter that delivers them.

Next up is "Remember" which veers slightly from the folk path that they walk, to come across as more of an Oasis pop offering. A simpler, more accessible track that comes across as a strong song written by just one of them, but put on the bands release slightly filled out.

"Summer's Gone" takes us back to the full band experience with a nice, if a little bland track that feels a little short. At just over two minutes, and what would be the weakest song on the release, I've got to argue, why was it included at all?

"Pieces" opens with a pointed, almost indie guitar pattern. The blueprint has changed slightly, and I can't quite put my finger on it. I'd expect volume three, if we see one, to follow along from this track more than any other.

Closing track "Smile" uses dynamics well on what is an otherwise flat record. This would be their one song to make some coin if they all went busking together. It feels triumphant with its clean cut vocals, but is then over all too soon  it almost requires a "Hey Jude" style refrain, going on late into the night.

A richer and more refined release

Rating - 8/10
Rating: 8/10