Reviews / Album

Of course it’s the new tracks that are the most intriguing and the likes of Hope And Sorrow and Fearless Heart deliver by following the rawer punk rock vibe of previous album, Arturo Gatti.

Out of the few new tracks on Direct Hits, even the pick of the litter – the glam Shot At The Night – doesn’t hold a flame to Mr Brightside, but at least it’s a whole lot better than Human.

Without much guitar support to add colour or vibrancy, Blow It Up’s climax falls flat and feels monotonous.

Classic grooves, brilliant playing, fun songs and rustic delivery make this album a damn enjoyable one and one that would certainly inspire a good many people to go and check him out live.

Drop The Game’s echoing modern noir, and the heightened longing of What About Us manage to be both machine and flesh, and be somehow separate from the works under their individual names. This could be the future.

Persevere to No End, where Suad Khalifa’s vocal takes it all somewhere else. All a little understated for its own good, but if patient you may find something of worth.

Those expecting the perhaps more predictable big glittery bauble on an aluminium tree might be taken aback by the veteran synth-pop duo’s take on Christmas album clichés.

Sadly, they were pushed too hard, and by their third album in under three years, the talent (and Jeremy) were damaged. There are some still truly great songs here.