At times, this sounds like an experiment promulgated by Parlophone's A&R department. Here, variously, is the Mockney joviality of Blur when they at least appeared happy, the production fizz of the Beta Band, and the well-adjusted emoting of Coldplay, plus some faux-West Coast gloss. It's a cunning blend, impressive on last year's sunny hit, "You Got The Style". After a while, though, Athlete's very amiability begins to grate, as does the fact that, for all their diverse influences, Vehicles And Animals is a wearyingly one-dimensional 45 minutes.

SAVE A THIRD!
WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE TO UNCUT!