The young lads from Scotland with a talent for a tune return with their follow up to their critically acclaimed first album with 'Which Bitch', which to be very blunt, is much the same and yet it isn't. How can this be you may ask?
Here is a band who knows who they are. Jolly, rock orientated numbers are what The View is already known for, with lyrics ranging from youth partying in the same pair of jeans for days on end, to becoming a superstar within any profession. Yet, with 'Which Bitch', it is pleasantly surprising that they have found new areas to their music without comprising their old sound (which seems to be happening to too many bands as of late). Lead single '5 Rebecca's' tells the story of the band meeting 5 girls called Rebecca on a night out, and its a rocky powerful number which sets up proceedings very productively. Current single 'Shock Horror' finds the band in familar territory as well, but still it has such charm and power to have even the most reserved bouncing up in rave glory, and the lyric 'I feel sorry for you man/you've forgotten to clap your hands' should soon be a live staple.
That aside, there are new sides found here. Most predominantly a duet with Paolo Nutini on 'Covers', a terrifically sped balled incorporating sharp lyrics with a soothing yet playful tune, talking about getting their girl out of bed in the morning in a nutshell. Equally impressive is the slightly rap inspired 'One Off Pretender', with witty rap spoken lyrics spoken over a fast beat, which will remind fans of 'Skag Trendy' from the first offering.
Some ideas do not work so well, mainly the dreary and tiresome final two songs which never lead anywhere beyond scratchy acoustics and dreamy lyrics. Beyond that, the ideas new and old incorporate well into a final piece of work worthy of The View.
Still sounding quite unique and still great. Recommended.