SECOND albums only tend to be difficult for bands if their first was lauded to the heavens.

Some bands are lucky enough to win respect and attention with their first and then really come up with the goods that crack the mainstream the second time out (Nirvana, Radiohead, Coldplay, Travis).

But some find their first album is such an overnight phenomenon that they lose their bottle and hide in a recording studio until everyone forgets who they are (Stone Roses, Stereo MCs).

Pity then The Strokes - the hip New York look and sound of their debut Is This It? was leapt on by the style-conscious British press like a steak sarnie thrown to a pack of starving wolves.

Well, The Strokes haven't bottled out, but Room On Fire plays safe, simply retreading the ground of Is This It? It's not the kind of quantum leap that will win them a place in music history alongside their impeccably cool New York art-rock influences. But, if you loved the first one, you'll not be disappointed. Their distinctive trademarks, those interlocking guitars and precise rhythms, are sharp and slick - although the songs don't exactly leap out at you.

Opener What Ever Happened is a promising start, with singer Julian Casablancas sounding positively electrified, and single 12:51 is up there with their best, but there's too much non-committal filler where a mumbling, emotionless Casablancas makes being young, rich and good-looking in New York sound as exciting as a wet weekend in Wetwang.

Decent band, nice image (and they can't be faulted for turning a new generation on to New York rock legends like the Velvet Underground and Television), but you're not sure whether they really have much to say.

This won't disappoint the fans, but it doesn't point to The Strokes having much mileage left in them.

Updated: 09:01 Thursday, October 23, 2003