The first single,
Walking on a Dream
- already a radio hit, is probably the most dancefloor-friendly offering on the record, which bubbles along happily, full of odd sound effects.
But while things start well with the sweeping, summery sounds of
Standing on the Shore
and
Half Mast
, and the swirling psychedelia of
Delta Bay
, they start to fall apart as the pair approach the finish line.
Moving from the surreal -
The World
could be the soundtrack to an underwater acid trip - the record ventures into the ridiculous with
Swordfish Hotkiss Night
, which sounds like Michael Jackson-meets-Outkast. And
Tiger By My Side
is irritating, with its deep chanting chorus that drones on for five minutes-plus.
Finally, things end on a new low with a horrible 80s ballad
Without You
, reminiscent of a scene from
The Wedding Singer
. The boys are obviously a fan of pageantry and parody - but would do well to rein it in a bit if they want to keep churning out chart-toppers.
Joanna Hunkin