Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Show Your Bones

Herald rating: * * *

After the yelping chaos of the Yeah Yeah Yeah's 2003 debut, Fever To Tell, their follow-up is a dumbed-down version of a great band.

Although it's good, it's nothing as special as they were. In places it sounds like Canadian duo Tegan and Sara - and while there's nothing wrong with that, you want the YYY's to be far more feisty.

There's a case for saying they've moved on and developed their sound - and the New York trio have certainly advanced more than most bands will ever dream of. But Show Your Bones is too grown up and refined.

It needs more bite to the lovely, lush textures. There are moments of lushness, such as the squally sirens of Phenomena, and the sonic spasms that frame Karen O's seriously sexy vocals on Cheated Hearts. Then there's the bland and silly stuff like Honeybear and flaky opener Gold Lion.

With a look and style like theirs and some tunes to match, don't be surprised if the YYY's become pop music's most unlikely stars. This is an accomplished record and will be more appealing than Fever... , yet you long for more of the fiery and carefree rock'n'roll of old.

Label: Modular