Treetop Flyers

After 2013's The Mountain Moves, London's Treetop Flyers were compared to artists from America to Midlake, with praise being lavished upon them from the likes of Q and The Guardian. Three years and what must seem like a lifetime for the band later, they are taking on that 'difficult' second album. Given that Treetop Flyers have experienced parental loss, the death of close friends and what they describe as an accountancy bill "that would make the government weep" it is surprising that the album's arrived at all.

Be thankful that it has though, because Palomino is a strident slice of 70s infused rock-pop that blows a refreshing hurricane through the turgid multitude of introspective singer songwriters and image hungry pop stars. Vocalist and guitarist Reid Morrison says making this album was a therapeutic process and helped them put aside a lot of negatives. If only therapy sessions were always this productive. There's the glorious Sleepless Nights, which proudly wears its love of middle of the road rock on its sleeve and Dance Through The Night shakes and rattles in a way that would perfectly soundtrack the recent TV series of Fargo. The latter's keyboard break would sit nicely on a classic from Them, while the soaring guitar solo that closes Lady Luck reminds you of a time when such moments weren't frowned upon but embraced.

Lyrically there are obvious references to the band's recent travails. 31 Years is about a friend who died during the recording of their debut. The more raw St Andrew's Cross is about the passing of Morrison's father and is just one track here that deals with the fragility of life and finality. Despite the subject matter, a strong melody is never far away, with Wild Winds, You, Darling You and the strident It's A Shame all surrounding you with a warm hazy glow. This is the sound of the band finding their feet and learning to walk. Treetop Flyers are set to be around for a long time, long enough anyway to ensure they'll need to get a better accountant.