3/10

When The Wombats released their breakthrough debut album 'A Guide To Love, Loss And Desperation' back in 2007, it was during a wave of brilliant new indie bands that included The Maccabees, The View and Frank Turner who all released their first albums during that year. But like many other acts from that time, The Wombats have failed to remain relevant in the commercial world and delivered one so-so release after another ever since.

While the prospect of them being able to turn their fortunes around with their fourth attempt 'Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life' may seem admirable at this stage, it is clear from the outset that they have lost what little spark they had left when they embarked on it. While the record does have its moments of flurry, the sound of defeat just seems too prevalent on this release as the band dawdle their way from one track to the next sounding like they have given up on trying too hard.

It seems a shame that a once loved band have lost their creativity in such a short space of time, but that seems to be the way nowadays. The Wombats deserve to be remembered as a fun-loving indie-pop band, not the defeated trio that this record seems to portray.