8/10

When the garage-rock upstarts Spring King delivered their brilliant debut album 'Tell Me If You Like To' back in 2016, they arrived amongst a flurry of great UK-based indie outfits and after a while, almost got lost in the fold. But not ones to let competition get the better of them, the band have returned two years later with their follow-up 'A Better Life', a record that reignites the fire of their first LP and continues it in stellar form.

Listening to 'A Better Life' seems to trigger the heyday memories of the indie scene in the mid noughties. With a memorable focus and tenacious attitude, the band's sophomore album looks intent on leaving a lasting impression on the listener with its catchy hooks and foot-stomping moments. Pretence be damned when it comes to this new full-length, as the Macclesfield outfit whack out one infectiously glorious anthem after another, showing that they are far from low on ideas and passion within their songwriting.

The difficult second album is obviously just a cliche at this point, but Spring King have taken the challenge by the horns and returned with an album filled with fun and excitement. 'A Better Life' feels like the second chapter in the band's accession and already seems like this lot are going to be on our minds for years to come.