The Fratellis' "Here We Stand"

Interscope

By Adam Lubitow on July 8, 2008

The Fratellis' first album, "Costello Music," felt like the perfect soundtrack to a drunken night out at the pub. Full of guitar riffs and infectious melodies, it was simple, rambunctious fun. This recently released follow-up is a solid sophomore effort, but not a terribly memorable one. The band's sound has become a bit more polished, and its ability to craft unfailingly catchy choruses is still firmly in place. Unfortunately, the album as a whole is sorely lacking the seemingly effortless sense of fun that made "Costello" such a kick. But there are some great tracks to be found, including "Look Out Sunshine," described by frontman Jon Fratelli as being what Oasis would have sounded like had Neil Diamond joined its ranks, and "Milk and Money," the Bowie-esque piano ballad that closes the album. "Get it right today and you may still be here tomorrow," Fratelli sings on the record's most lyrically accomplished track, the 70's rock-inspired "Acid Jazz Singer." You can't argue with the logic, though you also can't help but hope he won't be trying quite so hard next time.