THE BELSONIC SOUND: “Trouble” (Fantabulous)

The Belsonic Sound have been touted as likely candidates for many years past, but for whatever reason have never quite hit the motherlode. Their brand of music is a curious hybrid, with echoes of blues, reggae and rock coming in at a tangent to a fine pop sensibility. Dig a little deeper, and other things will probably reveal themselves.

That’s their pedigree – so what about Trouble? There are several moments where things are looking good, among them ‘Shine On’, ‘Dreamer’ and ‘The Night’, but the overall feel of the album is such that well played and produced as it is – and it is – there is little here that would inspire me to go out and see them on a cold winter’s night.

I suspect they can do better but they’ll have to dig deeper next time out if they’re to make a record that lives up to their reputation.

• Oliver P. Sweeney