Released: June 6th 2005

This must be one of the more anticipated albums of the year. People want to see if former glory can be recaptured. Can The Tears do it? Can they help revive the ghost of a lost era? Well, they’ve definitely made something true to heart. Their heart, that is.

The first half is sublimely positive: book-ended by ‘Refugees’, the current single, and ‘Lovers’, the catchiest tune on the album, upbeat and soaring in its carefree attitude. But the first half also has a marked lack of truly impressionable lyrics. Not to say that happy songs cannot have good wordplay, but lines such as “we stick like shoe in gum” from ‘Imperfections’ cannot help but inspire laughter at the silliness of it all. Though it is a very good thing that Brett Anderson has brightened up enough to sing about it. The reason for this contentedness was surely caused by his reunion with Bernard Butler. When things are right, they’re right and those two have the precise dynamic to create truly good music together. ‘Co-Star’ seems like a right enough way to commemorate this joint vision.

The second half is much more somber and melancholy. ‘Brave New Century’ is poignant in pointing out the pitfalls of the modern age and ‘Beautiful Pain’ mirrors the split of mood apparent in the songs following it. It wraps up with two achingly beautiful tracks. ‘Apollo 13′ and ‘A Love As Strong As Death’ build up with a slow burn – sweeping guitars and earnest words – not laughable in the least. They break your heart and sweep you off your feet. Top form from all concerned.

‘Here Come The Tears’ may not change the face of a generation, but the music is pleasant at worst and inspirational at best.

Previously published on This Is Fake DIY.