Review: Bombay Bicycle Club - So Long, See You Tomorrow

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On the surface, Bombay Bicycle Club's fourth album is a huge contrast from their previous three, but despite the slightly more electronic route they have taken on this record, it soon becomes apparent that this new sound is just another evolution of a band who are stepping out of their comfort zone, not to please a wider audience, but simply to show off their versatility as a band who have been playing together for eight whole years.

The album's opener, Overdone, instantly showcases that brand new sound the London four piece have gone for on their most recent endeavour with a heavily electronic intro and a slightly R&B resonant feel from the outset. However, Bombay's sound hasn't undergone a complete refurbishment, there are still a fair few punchy riffs in there, and Jack Steadman's quirky vocals haven't had the Beyonce treatment or anything...

It's Alright Now, follows with another intensely electronic sounding intro. However, as soon as the drumbeat kicks in, you'll know it's a Bombay Bicycle Club track for sure. This is definitely one of the many highlights of the album with stunning guest vocals from Lucy Rose. We are then greeted with a track that will probably be familiar to you (unless you have been living under a rock for four months), Carry Me. This was the albums first single and the track that started all the speculation about the bands sudden U-turn in sound. With a melody that wouldn't sound out of place on the dancefloor, this track is a wonderful encapsulation of the way in which Bombay Bicycle Club have evolved into an incredibly versatile outfit.

The best track of the album has to be Luna, a track that becomes almost anthemic towards the end. With plenty of layers and the most infectious melody. Another excellent track comes in the form of Feel, with a bit of an R&B vibe going on and the catchiest chorus on the record.

The LP comes to a close with its title track which sounds significantly similar to the bands previous material when compared to the rest of the tracks we have been graced with on the album. With a much more laid back sound and an emphasis on drums rather than the electronic elements they seem to have embraced on this record.

Overall, I think So Long, See You Tomorrow is a great effort and a refreshing revamp of Bombay Bicycle Club's sounds as we know it. There's nothing wrong with bands who can take a risk- this one has certainly paid off.

***

7/10