100 Brken Windows

Idlewild's follow-up to Hope Is Important shows no signs of any difficult second album syndrome. It is a vast improvement on their debut, as Roddy Woomble and friends seem to have discovered a more melodic nature, without sacrificing anything of their spiky, almost punk edge.

Opening with 'Little Discourage', it's clear from the off that Idlewild are in exuberant, confident mood. The fiery guitar assault of 'I Don't Have The Map' is not unlike Whipping Boy in its execution, with more melodic vignettes cavorting around in the background.

'Actually It's Darkness' is a soul-brother of their brilliant 'When I Argue I See Shapes' single. The twin assault of 'Let Me Sleep (Next To The Mirror)' and 'Mistake Pageant' take them firmly into guitar pop territory, with enough enthusiasm to match the best the genre has to offer, while 'Rusty' and 'Listen To What You've Got' should satisfy die-hard fans.

Where their debut was patchy, 100 Broken Windows is pristine: at little over 38 minutes it, has no fat and that brims with self-confidence and supreme competence.