Stockport’s Blossoms perfected their synth-infused formula with their self-titled 2016 debut, which shot them to fame and earned a Mercury nomination. Unfortunately, Foolish Loving Spaces doesn’t particularly expand on the indie-pop template established by that record and its follow-up, Cool Like You.

Indeed, listen to 2016 hit ‘Honey Sweet’ back-to-the back with the new ‘Swimming Brain’, and there are no discernible signs of progression. That’s not to say though that there aren’t any tunes worthy of bopping along to. Opener ‘If You Think This Is Real Life’ will surely highlight Blossoms’ summer festival sets, thanks to its danceable beat and singalong-friendly lyrics: “If you think this is real life/ You’re so uptight”.

‘Like Gravity’, meanwhile, represents a proper digression from the album’s formulaic approach. Sounding like a collaboration between U2 and Otherkin, it’s a trippy instrumental that skilfully blends distorted synths and a thumping bassline. Elsewhere, Blossoms have also included acoustic versions of each track. It’s a decidedly unnecessary move – unless you’re wondering what each song would sound like performed by a Grafton Street busker.

Will Foolish Loving Spaces enjoy another decent chart placing? Probably. Will it go down as a musical marvel? Unlikely.

Out now
6/10

https://open.spotify.com/album/0yMTm5gz3ZoUItDgE2kVru?si=NRlg_YDxQKCCasbQAcFesg