Saccharine sweet they may be but The Pains of Being Pure at Heart have an unerring ability to write hooky and ultra melodic songs. Harder edged than 2009’s eponymous debut and with an anthemic aspect which, dare I say it, may set them fair for some mainstream recognition, the ultimate indie band (the earnest name says it all) have cast their net slightly wider here.
Opening with a quadruplet of strong, playlist friendly songs, the album is eminently listenable if slightly less charming than its predecessor. The limitations of Kip Berman’s sweet and fragile vocals are evident but despite their widening appeal, this band don’t attract listeners concerned by vocal range.
[etRating value=“ 3.5”]
