British duo The Big Pink hit the hype button with their infectious electronic-based 2009 debut album A Brief History of Love and here on their sophomore effort, the beats are just as strong and jubilant. Opening with gigantor single Stay Gold they set the bar high in the sonic construction department with lots of reverb and synths and epic arm waving melodies. Hit the Ground gets the guitars out, but is equally anthemic with its youthful dreaming. The big, catchy hooks are still there, as are the moments of industrial guitar fuzz, and some surprising tenderness (as on closing track 77) but it seems in the lyrical department they've ended up with ideas that are a little vague and cliched. Nevertheless these songs should be sampled by pop stars because they're full of energy and triumph.
Stars: 3.5/5
-TimeOut
