Augustines – Augustines

‘Earnestness’ has almost become a dirty word when applied to music. But on their debut album, Augustines managed to tread the tightrope successfully, producing a lovely set of power indie that fell just on the right side of cliche. On their eponymous second outing, however, they don’t strike nearly so lucky. Augustines is a half-baked eulogy to stadia the world over, which slides steadily downhill after the interesting Afrobeat twangs of first track ‘proper,’ Cruel City.

The formula is so simple, it could’ve been kicked out of an Excel spreadsheet: start slow, introduce a kickdrum, gradually escalate to roof-raising crescendo, complete with choral harmonies, repeat. After a few listens, the sound of an advancing 4/4 in the distance will help you realise that even the most promising tracks (Walkabout, This Ain’t Me) are doomed: destined as they are to be swept away by the merciless tourbillon of schmaltz. [Finbarr Bermingham]