8/10

Over the last decade or so, Metronomy have worked like a chameleon in the growing world of British indie music. Having found a club-friendly aesthetic on their breakthrough record 'Nights Out', the band then continued to grow in adventurous territory with its fantastic follow-up 'The English Riviera. Since then the group have been looking to get back to their more irreverent and exploratory roots with their subsequent full-lengths 'Love Letters' and 'Summer '08', the latter of which was greeted as a strong return to their formative sound. But as they deliver their sixth full-length 'Metronomy Forever', it is clear that their journey to self-discovery has come full circle as they deliver another brilliant blast of lo-fi indie-pop.

From the very start, 'Metronomy Forever' looks to tap back into the magic that we found on 'Nights Out'. Blending a playful and upbeat indie-pop aesthetic with a dancefloor direction, this new collection sees them bring a level of joy back into their work. While records like 'The English Riviera' and 'Love Letters' had their toe-tapping moments, they were not as carefree as this new album. It feels that after so many years of reclaiming the sound that was once theirs, they have simply kicked back and let the music flow rather than force anything, making this one of their most exciting returns in years.

Metronomy have always looked to blend the nightclub with the indie-pop show throughout their career, and this record sees them bite down on that intention more than ever. Filled with a flurry of catchy and engaging new singles, 'Metronomy Forever' is the comeback release we were all waiting for, and what a delight it is to play.