MODERN life likes the template, a means of uniformity, a way of degrading the unpredictable, a subjugation of creativity and all adding up to greyer days.

Sometimes it’s the same in music. Youth yields risks, a chance of slaloming along a cutting edge and rejoicing in vibrancy and risk-taking and yes, mistakes. Then maturity creeps up and it’s time for reflection, regrets and rumination.

Frau Brucken, once of the glacial powerhouse electro combo Propaganda, is now at the latter stage and so here are 11 tracks all looking back, all reminiscing on days sweet and sour. While they are all expertly hand-crafted and graced by Bruckner’s exquisite vocals, which have grown warmer and more welcoming with age, the songs rarely shimmer or excite.

There are exceptions in opener I Want You, an exposition of undying desire, and Sweet Sound Vision, a wistful confection, but largely the album is a trek along that well-worn path to tedium. Sometimes the temptation to template has to be vigorously resisted.