The Futureheads - This Is Not The World
[Nul Recordings]

The release of album number three from Sunderland’s awesome foursome brings about a welcome conclusion to a long-running underdog story. Written off by many after an undeservedly lukewarm reception for 2006’s ‘News & Tributes’ and having gone through an acrimonious split from their label, The Futureheads were duty-bound to go away and take stock ahead of their return to the studio last year.

Even from an outsider’s point-of-view, the overriding atmosphere of ‘This Is Not The World’ makes it easy to recognise that the circumstances associated with recording the album have had an overwhelmingly positive effect on band’s songwriting process and spirit. Freed from the shackles of record company interference, and to an extent, the pressure of expectation, Barry, Ross, Jaff and Dave have come up with a cracker.

If the introductory power chords of The Beginning of The Twist weren’t a strong enough declaration of the band’s new-found purpose, the song’s opening lyrics make it plain and clear just how serious the Futureheads are about making up for lost time - “It’s time to wake up! It’s time to change!” – a true statement of intent, behaving as if they’ve never been away.

‘Walking Backwards’ and ‘Broke Up The Time’ are further proof of the band having boldly turned a corner. Their pace and group harmonies may be akin to much of what is found on the band’s debut, but this by no means a reversion to old tactics. What we have here is a shimmering bunch of upbeat powerpop songs whose sense of urgency only serves make them more accessible. Other highlights include the anthemic chorus of ‘Hard To Bear’ and the new wave brilliance of ‘Think Tonight’, either of which could be strongly considered as a potential single to further consolidate the band’s momentum through the summer months.

Using the punky formula which led to legions of fans falling in love with their early material, as well as incorporating the more poppy pretensions of their second album, The Futureheads have come up with a third LP so full of hooks and breezy sing-alongs that it actually takes a number of listens for favourites to start developing independently of each other. This is not a negative point - the album flows wonderfully well, and functions impressively as a unit.

The success which accompanies ‘This Is Not The World’ will hopefully go some way to enhancing the longevity and confidence of a band who should be cherished right up there with the cream of the current crop.

This Is Not The World Tracklisting:

1. The Beginning Of The Twist
2. Walking Backwards
3. Think Tonight
4. Radio Heart
5. This Is Not The World
6. Sale Of The Century
7. Hard To Bear
8. Work Is Never Done
9. Broke Up The Time
10. Everything’s Changing Today
11. Sleet
12. See What You Want