Johnny Foreigner – You Can Do Better

Diminishing returns? Nah. Johnny Foreigner may plead ignorance as to why they still haven’t mellowed out by this fourth record, but it’s false modesty from a band still brimming with energy, hooks and chutzpah. The opening tumble of Shipping plunges us into their Mentos ’n’ Coke melodicism, galloping giddily along fizzy, fuzzy motifs and cries of “I started drinking again!” It sets the tone for an opening triumvirate (completed by fellow rollickers Le Sigh and In Capitals) that drips heavily with subtle complexities and winning, irresistible choruses, cut with the vim of the youngest of gunslingers.

Perhaps this even explains why they’ve outlasted fallen contemporaries Dananananaykroyd, whilst placing them comfortably alongside indie hipster tipsters like Cardiff noisepoppers Joanna Gruesome. Their poignant side comes out to play on Riff Glitchard and instant favourite DEVASTATOR, but it’s their terminal glee that makes this record such a winner. And they say they can do better? Crikey, imagine! [Will Fitzpatrick]