The Concretes - 'In Colour' (EMI) 06/03/06

March is a horrible month, Christmas and winter snow are long gone and summer is too far away to start getting excited about the sun and ice creams. Luckily The Concretes are well aware of this and have graced the murky British Springtime with 'In Colour' their second album and the follow up to 2004’s eponymous LP. This album is very aptly entitled 'In Colour'. Although previously and persistently described as making some kind of European glacial pop, the album sees The Concretes painting their musical canvas with a full rainbow palette. Whereas the eponymously titled debut album was seemingly lit by candlelight, 'In Colour' makes the leap into glorious floodlit beauty.

Recorded in Stockholm and Omaha with Nebraskan producer Mike Mogis (Conor Oberst’s longtime co-conspirator ), it's all classic Americana and Southern Soul rerouted via Scandinavia. Evocative of a line of records that veers between Fleetwood Mac’s 'Rumours' through to Cat Power’s 'The Greatest' and Bright Eyes 'I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning', The Concretes have effortlessly matured into one of the most unique and beautiful pop groups in the world.

From the opening 'On The Radio', a track shot through with melancholic winter sun; to the glorious nervous chat up of 'Chosen One'; through Fiction, a motorik Krautrock track, propelled by a smoke filled Stereolab cool and on to the closing hoedown of 'Song For The Songs' (a lyrical tribute to the band’s favourite 45s), In Colour is the soundtrack to The Concretes eight person Technicolor road trip. 'In Colour' also sees the band share vocal duties for the first time, Victoria Bergsman’s songs being complimented by lead vocal tracks from guitarist Maria Eriksson ('Greydays') and drummer Lisa Milberg ('Your Call', a duet with Magic Number Romeo Stodart).

If you are sick of watching the rain drip down the window paine and long for some colour in your sky and your life then buy this album. As soon as you press play it’s like someone turned all the stage lights on. Lyrically, you’re hearing the kind of themes you’re used to – the radio, the weather, broken hearts, stolen glances, nervous come on’s, hung up phone calls – you know, the important stuff. This music is worth the money, you think. The songs play on. Jesus, this music could mend a broken heart.

The Concretes – coming to add some colour to your day.