5/10

One of the bands that benefitted greatly from the 80s resurgence some years ago was Manchester duo Hurts. With a glossy production and anthemic choruses, the pair rode a wave of widespread appreciation. But given that that phase has somewhat died off, the band have taken a slight detour on their musical direction for album number three, and it looks like they may finally be branching off.

While most of their previous two albums kept solidly to a brash and forceful power ballad influence, 'Surrender' likes to stretch itself creatively and usher in some new ideas to the Hurts sound, most notably the funk-laiden bass rhythm of 'Lights' and the electronically overbearing 'Wings'. But despite their efforts to broaden their horizons, there is still something missing from this new release. It sounds like they are just running through the motions on this new album and most of it fails to peak any interest.

Hurts have always divided opinion amongst the muso class, but this record just doesn't have that same magic they once relied so heavily on. Instead they are harking the same tune that Take That built a comeback on and it just doesn't sound right.