Walk the River Geffen***

Guillemots' third album comes in the wake of Fyfe Dangerfield's gorgeous solo outing, but apart from the singer's penchant for lyrical sentimentality there's no real comparison between the two. As always, the inventive indie troupe utilise every unusual instrument in their broad canon to create layered, lovelorn pop tunes, but it's the comparatively simplistic songs that stick. Vermillionsounds like a bright-eyed and bushy- tailed Midlake. Slow Train's synthpop undertones are undeniably swoonsome, and the ominously creepy twinkle of Inside stands out among the many pleasantries. Walk the Riveris another collection of big-hearted indie tunes that sway from fragile vocals to emotional climaxes, but the protracted running time is more frustrating than endearing. And, like Guillemots' last record, it's missing the spark that would make it as unforgettable as their wonderful debut. See guillemots.com

Download tracks: Vermillion, Slow Train