Cut to the Chase: Comeback kids Delorentos have come up trumps with an album that's a shining example of the phrase 'grower'. 'You Can Make Sound' may not as punchy or as packed with singles as their debut, but it sees the foursome make interesting explorations into the alt-rock genre while still retaining elements of their distinctive sound.
There are difficult second albums, and then there are second albums that almost don't get made. When Delorentos announced that they were calling it a day earlier this year, the general feeling was that we'd lost another of the good 'uns. Although the Dublin quartet had planned to finish recording this, their second album, before splitting, it seemed like the promising foundation set by the success of their debut was crumbling unnecessarily. With their decision thankfully reversed, we'll never know what 'You Can Make Sound'>/i> might have sounded like in the hands of an expiring band. What it does sound like is a tentative step forward - a bid to shake the notion that they're one trick ponies who can only do chiming harmonies and jerky indie pop-rock.
It's true that this record isn't as immediately exciting as its predecessor; initially, it does sound like the foursome have lost the fire in their bellies. Further listening, however, allows songs like the 'Secret' - with its uber-catchy refrain and gentle indie stomp - to seep into your consciousness over time.
No doubt about it, 'You Can Make Sound' is definitely a grower. Most of these songs are quietly anthemic, there's less emphasis on the duality of singers Kieran McGuinness and Ronan Yourell (whose voice is better than ever here, particularly on 'Leave Me Alone') and on catchy guitar hooks. Yet the intermittent bursts of inventiveness - as heard on the dark 'Editorial', and the goosebump-triggering title track, all epic choruses and group harmonies - are well-placed in the running order and keep interest afloat when it seems like dipping.
An album to get the pulse racing? Maybe not, and there are undoubtedly one or two missteps here. Yet 'You Can Make Sound' is a record that establishes Delorentos as a band with real depth, and plenty of ideas left in their canon.
