It was a case of life imitating art when Wombats frontman Matthew Murphy moved to Los Angeles to write a concept album about a fictional relationship. Before long, he had fallen in love with a local and that theme informs the majority of the Liverpudlian trio’s fourth album.
These zippy pop-rock tracks are laden with energy, occasionally incorporating electronic influences (Give Me a Try) and surging choruses made for summer festival jump-alongs (Greek Tragedy).
It’s not long until the formula becomes mundane, however, and Murphy’s juvenile lyrics are too eye-rolling to hold the listener captive.
The 1980s synth-infused Headspace catches the ear, but the subtle moments are few and far between. Consequently, it's a tiring listen with too much glitter and not enough gravity.
