Ardentjohn - When The Time Comes

Weighing in at a grand total of eight tracks (including two instrumentals), Ardentjohn's debut is scarcely eligible for long-player status. Considering this, it's commendable how much they squeeze into When the Time Comes. Speaking frankly to The Skinny recently, lead singer Keiron Mason acknowledged that some of the band's influences are plain to see. The Doves are audible on the excellent Orange Nights; Sleeping Soldiers is reminiscent of The Verve at their most blissfully zoned out and the Merseybeat / ska persuasions of Legoland Towns are inescapable. Credit to Ardentjohn, then, for producing an album that whilst heavily influenced, is far from recycled. From the seamless, dreamlike quality that binds the opening tracks to the harmonious, unashamedly melodic Hide Your Mind; When the Time Comes is great while it lasts. Perhaps though, a few more substantial tracks would have added meat to the bones of an enjoyable and promising first outing. [Finbarr Bermingham]