Teenage Fanclub

Shadows PeMa ***

ShadowsPeMa ***

They've experimented with styles several times over the course of their 20-year career, but there are few bands that do jangle-pop as well as Teenage Fanclub. It sounds like Norman Blake and co have come to terms with that fact, too; their ninth studio album is one of lilting, gently strummed numbers that epitomise the concept of tweeness. Baby Lee'ssummery flourish ushers in an eminently hummable chorus laden with brass and harmonies, Today Never Endstakes on a more meditative, chilled-out incline, while The Back of my Mindhas an almost Commotions-style kick to it. These tunes aren't too saccharine for consumption, though. In fact, Shadowsis a thoroughly pleasurable listening experience from start to finish, if – perhaps somewhat ironically – lacking in contrasting shades. See teenagefanclub.com

Download tracks: Baby Lee, The Back of My Mind

Lauren Murphy

Lauren Murphy

Lauren Murphy is a freelance journalist and broadcaster. She writes about music and the arts for The Irish Times