Pheonix - 'It's Never Been Like That' (Virgin) Released 15/05/06

Thanks to the likes of Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh pop music is a dirty word, an insult to music. A recent report stated that guitar based music is outselling 'pop' music for the first time in years. What it failed to state was the kind of guitar music that is selling so well. Band like Kaiser Chiefs, The Kooks and Arctic Monkeys all have an overriding pop sensibility yet maintain their indie credibility. Pop isn't dead it's just grown its hair, put on some tight jeans and picked up a guitar.

One band that have walked the tightrope between pop and rock for many years are Phoenix, the bands second album 'Alphabetical' is a gallic pop masterpiece. Now, looking to capitalise on the current market, the band are back with another collection of suave sophisticated pop tunes. 'It's Never Been Like That' is a more rough and ready album, capturing the bands live sound without ever losing the gloss of their previous efforts.

Opener 'Napoleon Says' has a chiming guitar line, militant drums and lovely summery vocals from the Sofia Coppola dating lead singer Thomas Mars. The first single to be released from the album 'Long Distance Call' is a synth laden lo-fi slacker anthem with jangly Johnny Marr esque guitar performances from Laurent Branowik and Christian Mazzalai. Phoenix really are a summer band, like Supergrass their songs seem to sound better in the sun and the new album is filled with sunshine hooks and an upbeat look out on life.

The band have stated that they wanted to get away from the glossiness of 'Alphabetical' and they certainly have, unluckily for them it has drained the Parisian cool they once had. Songs like 'Rally' and 'Courtesy Laughs' sound rough and demo like, from a band with a cool pop reputation its kind of like seeing a hungover Audrey Hepburn with no make up on. Also Thomas Mars vocal delivery is somewhat of a problem, obviously English isn't his first language and occasionally the basic nature of the lyrics compromise the intricate music whilst his repetitive nasal voice begins as an annoyance and builds into a reason to switch the album off.

Essentially 'It's Never Been Like That' isn't a bad album. If it was Phoenix's debut then perhaps this review would be tipped in the opposite direction. However when a band set the bar as high as Phoenix did with 'Alphabetical' then you have to be able to successfully follow it up, a feat Phoenix have failed in. Hardcore fans aside it seems unlikely anyone will be interested in this album. Pop music may have re invented itself but unfortunately Phoenix have emerged from the flames exactly the same as they went in.