The Man Who

The man who probably sounds a bit like a million things you've heard before. You could say it is formulaic, and boldly rips off everyone from Simon And Garfunkel to Oasis, but then again, isn't that the post-modern way? There's nothing new in this world, the philosophers cry.

It is usually considered a huge insult to describe someone's work as 'nice', but unfortunately it is the most apt word for this album. Sweetly melodic, well crafted and extremely hummable, it won't change your life, but it will certainly add to an evening in with a loved one and a bottle of porter.

Possibly one of the weakest tracks on the album is 'Village Man', billed as a "tongue-in-cheek anti-rock declaration". Call me unimaginative, but "I don't wanna rock tonight. I only wanna hold you tight "just isn't funny.

Setting that aside, there are some bright moments, not least of which are the two singles. 'Writing to Reach You' in particular possesses a beautifully mournful quality, with a hint of Thom Yorke, if less tortured. 'The Last Laugh of the Laughter' (terrible title - great song) also reveals echoes of a youthful Neil Young in lead singer Fran Healy.

'Ironically' named after a book about mental illness, "The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat" is an attempt to silence critics of the first album, Good Feeling. It is debatable how well The Man Who pulls it off. At opposite ends of the scale, 'Why Dose(sic) It Always Rain On Me' is an impossibly catchy tune, with a perky disposition, while 'The Fear' is positively dark.

In a poll of 100 people, you will probably get 100 different definitions of a good song. If you favour a song that sneaks up on you, lodges itself in a corner of your brain and then reappears as a hum when you least expect it, then this is an album of fine songs indeed.

Others, well, they might just think it's nice.