In their first album since the passing of founding member Mark Sheehan, The Script reshape their soft-rock identity and adopt a more pop sensibility. Whether the reasoning for this shift is to avoid filling the vacuum left by their late lead guitarist, or a more straightforward desire for fresh terrain, is unclear.

But one thing is for sure, The Script – Danny O’Donoghue, Glen Power, Ben Sargeant and Ben Weaver – are confident and composed in their new iteration. With grand, spacious arrangements, the 12-track Satellites offers a seamless mix of plugged-in pop numbers.

For all the sonic plate-shifting, what remains is their heart-on-sleeve lyricism and equally unfussy production. If the results are solid rather than spectacular, there are still standouts such as ‘At Your Feet’, a gorgeous orchestral-rock number, and the upbeat workout ‘Run Run Run’.

Overall, Satellites marks a welcome return for one of Ireland’s most widely loved bands.

7/10