Two years ago the Brighton band the Magic Gang made an effervescent debut that, with its Beach Boys harmonies and cheery indie pop spirit, made you feel that all was well in the world. Now they have returned with a different sound and heavier lyrics about the problems of young adulthood, but it is as uplifting as ever.
Think recalls the cappuccino soul of the Style Council, Make a Sound has the bittersweet melodic charm of post-Beatles George Harrison, and the Loaded-era Velvet Underground rock’n’roll of Gonna Bounce Back suits the song’s message about trying to be optimistic when your mid-twenties didn’t turn out as you had hoped: “I look like shit right now, live at my parents’ house . . .”