Happy People

Birmingham indie pop quartet Peace's follow-up to their successful debut In Love sees them polish up their guitar melodies and Harry Koisser's vocals with the addition of strings, synths, and an array of different sounds that expand their Brit-pop-inspired sound. There's no denying that this album was primed for the radio and their largely younger fan base, with easily digestible, clean-edged songs. They brought Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian producer Jim Abbiss on board and with that the entire record feels far more refined and complete than their debut, bringing together uptempo grooves with some of the psych-rock influences that underpin "Lost on Me" and closer "World Pleasure." It's obvious that Koisser has concentrated on the songwriting for this record, illustrating his ear for a melody throughout and providing some insightful moments on the Oasis-influenced "Someday." However, despite the care taken, the lyrics often fall flat amongst the soaring melodies and anthemic choruses, resulting in a rather conflicted listen between the words and the music. Peace appear far more self-aware on this release, the swagger and charm that In Love burst onto the scene with now replaced by the angst and introspection of sexuality on "I'm a Girl" and the moody title track. Having produced a solid second album -- a hurdle many before them have failed to clear -- Peace can feel satisfied that they've grown from their debut, if only marginally, yet it's clear they're still finding their voice amongst the joyous, optimistic melodies that are the basis of so much of their sound.