It’s hard to think of a debut record that plays it quite as straight as Standby. The album is resolutely mid-tempo, with the band apparently content to operate within a light, unflustered chug. The arrangements are also rather uniform, consistently applying a thick layer of lazy, summery organ to the group’s easygoing pop-rock.
Attention-seeking tactics have been the undoing of many a promising debut, so it is actually quite pleasing to find a group that are content to settle. That said, opener ‘Electric Tornado’ could hardly be less aptly named: sure, there are some light digital touches on the track, but it is certainly not energised enough to merit such an explosive title. Ignore this, though, and you have a thoroughly likeable slice of pop-rock: natural, lightly quirky, and easy on the ear.
Second track ‘Supernow’ is similarly enjoyable: akin to a sprightlier Keane, the song builds around a low, unobtrusive electronic buzz.
The album then enters a mellow, sunny pop-rock passage: if this your thing, you may well be thoroughly charmed – just don’t expect any fireworks. This music is breezy and listenable, but devoid of sonic thrills.
The closing three tracks represent something of a rally. ‘Breezes’ is the album standout: a lush, harmonic ballad on which the group exhibit a flair for dynamics. The track builds from a low-key intro to a lavish, sweeping climax – easily the record’s most accomplished moment. ‘Never Forget It’ and ‘Stick Around’ also have a sense of drama, with some crashing guitars and lavish piano swirls. This late flurry underlines ITO's brilliant potential. A bit more ambition would go a long way.