An album for people who find Belle & Sebastian a bit boisterous, 'The Concretes In Colour' is an unashamed bid for the mainstream: nothing wrong with that of course, but it lacks the shaky charm and melancholy mood of their eponymous debut album. There's nothing here as spritely as 'You Can't Hurry Love' or as poignant as 'New Friend' on that first record. In fact, it all feels terribly English in spirit - polite, reserved, self-effacing.
That said, 'In Colour' does have its moments. Opener 'On The Radio' rides on a plinky-plonky Madness piano very effectively. 'Chosen One' is a jaunty pop song, perfect for summer.
Lisa Mellberg takes over vocal duties for a duet with Romeo Stodart from The Magic Numbers on the ballad ,'Your Call.' Her voice is stronger and more expressive than the blank Nicoesque stylings of usual lead vocalist, Victoria Bergsman: she should sing more often.
Elswehere, we find a Gospel 'church revival' sound on 'As Four' and some classy country pickings on 'Grey Days.' Too much of the rest, though, is merely pleasant or, worse still, innocuous.
That The Concretes have talent is beyond doubt. I just wish they had the confidence to swagger a bit more.