Album Review: Grouplove - Spreading Rumours

Stateside quintet Grouplove had an incredible run up to and including album number one – it was a long lead-in that brought with it a string of perfect radio singles like Itchin' On A Photograph and Tongue Tied. So how does Spreading Rumours stack up as a second record, especially during what is an oversaturated time for releasing music? Well, it undoubtedly has the chops to stand on its own two feet with a sunny sound perfect for soundtracking the warmer months. You already know lead single Ways To Go with its almost-school yard taunt for a hook, a chorus that won't leave you for days while reminding just how damn solid Christian Zucconi's soaring vocals are.

There's perhaps a more electro foundation present here – the opening I'm With You sizzles with pulsating rhythms almost like Elastica of old while the following Borderlines And Aliens treads more familiar Grouplove territory – lyrically whack with crazy instrumentation that will inevitably be lapped up by alternative radio. Schoolboy strikes more emotionally while Hippy Hill is just flat out weird yet set to a slower pace than usual.

Spreading Rumours is a melting pot of genres and sounds, all smashed into one pop song at a time. For the most part, they pull it off. It's not what Never Trust A Happy Song was and while it does little to present further evidence of longevity for Grouplove, it sure won't slow down their trajectory and will provide enough sweaty anthems for another festival season.