5/10

While it is fair to say The Maccabees have moved on from the self-depricating yet chirpy sound of their debut album, their more mature direction does seem to still have that forward-thinking approach the band have always looked to instil in their music. Their fourth album 'Marks To Prove It' looks to show the band in a new light with a view to take themselves further still.

Firing all cylinders from the start with their title-track 'Marks To Prove It', the album quickly moves into a more abstract flow that leaves you feeling a little underwhelmed. Its high-energy intro is replaced far too quickly, giving the record a more confused sound that is difficult to get back into. While it still holds some beautifully written songs, its pace is heavily compromised by too many less-than-par inclusions.

'Marks To Prove It' is by no means a let down. Tracks like 'Slow Sun' and 'Something Like Happiness' do give out that glittering spark we once saw in The Maccabees, but it is far cry from the overall quality we have come to expect from them.