A MUCH needed burst of good feeling, in short doses. Festival favourites, with a reputation for being the "most alive and energetic band on the circuit", the core three piece had spent time apart, on separate continents, prior to recording this, their third album.

After a skippable opening track of old men talking in Spanish, the euphoria of the opening one /two Yellow Sun and Good Girls recalls heady summer days. While there is a band performance going on, this is a highly produced record – which hides the human heart somewhat.

The title track combines the mandatory joie de vivre with a hint at darker stuff in the chorus. The world music aspects are toned right down in favour of a highly commercial, contemporary sound.

The energy level needs to, and does dip, but the last half of the record palls and drifts. It edges into Scissor Sisters territory; that is not quite dance, pop or rock enough. Accomplished but ultimately an echo of the full force that is Crystal Fighters live.