The Fray have built a career out of regurgitating the same Coldplay-lite formula over and over. If you are familiar with their break-out single ‘How To Save A Life’ then little on their second album will catch you unawares. As ever, the band favour piano-based balladry that would feel right at home on an episode of Grey’s Anatomy or some other prime time pap. Indeed, the single ‘You Found Me’ has already cropped up on an advert for the new series of Lost. Isaac Slade does have a powerful voice, the boys know their parts well and the production is slick – but it isn’t enough for me.
Alison Curtis
Key track: ‘Syndicate’