Peter, Bjorn & John - Living Thing

(Wichita)

Best known for their whistly, catchier-than-the-cold hit ‘Young Folks’, the Swedish trio return here with their fifth album. It has all the ingredients for a twinkling pop gem – ice cold Human League synths, crashing drums straight out a Phil Collins ballad, and big OMD party beats – but the mix is soured with child chanting and dull Brit-pop guitars. Although this colourful, retro-experimental offering is a little too patchy to get properly under the skin, they have energy and electronic ideas by the Ikea lorryload.