Teenage Fanclub - Shadows

(PeMa)

The Fannies’ 20-year career has been a gradual progression from joyously stomping Doc boots to comfy, worn-in slippers, and this eighth studio album is a further refinement of their jangly, harmony-laden craft. The fire in their bellies is given an airing in the likes of opener ‘Sometimes I Don’t Need to Believe in Anything’ and the old-school sway of ‘Shock and Awe’, but elsewhere there isn’t too much that stands out, and certainly no great surprises. Shadows is the sound of a band settling into cosy middle age, undoubtedly accomplished and pure of heart, but a tad underwhelming given their previous heights.