Left

Limitations remain, not least the intended anarchism of Sam's lyrics seeming more pub-stool than pulpit-reactionary (see "This Is A Question"), but his causes begin to find their bulls-eyes on "Industry" and "Forwardirektion". And that's not to mention his inflating vocals holding court convincingly on the twinkling, sombre and eventually chest-beating "The Good Fight". Overall tracks are trimmer and more focussed without sacrificing the sure climb to the climax with a mystical staff that made them so engaging in the first place.

The spectre of Radiohead's, and particularly Johnny Greenwood's, influence hangs as heavy over this album as the last, especially on the cross-fire guitar of "Bonfires". And Sigur Ros' producer Ken Thomas adds his expectedly fertile touch, providing their songs with the epic backdrop they need if they're to succeed - just bathe in the cosmos of sound on "The Church Choir". Their debut left us asking whether to be on the cusp of greatness is any better than being an acre away from it. They just moved a step closer to that not being their concern. --James Berry