I have to admit I was a bit surprised by the release of a new album from The Candyskins. It’s been about 5 years since The Candyskins released “Fun?” and more than 7 years since 1991’s “The Space I’m in.” Admittedly I really liked both albums back in the day, but I was young and I suppose so were The Candyskins. The new album, while rooted in the old school britpop roots of the early 90’s, reveals a more mature sound combined with the traditional driving guitars and hooks galore. The songwriting, while not quite as catchy or irreverent as their earlier work, is definitely more confident and compassionate.

I suppose the new album will be lumped into this “Britpop Revival” that is supposedly happening at the moment and while that might initially hurt the band, it may eventually help the band capitalize on all of those kids that fell in love with Britpop in the 80’s. Apparently, this album has already won widespread critical reviews in the U.K., but we all know how that goes having been subjected to years and years of the British Music Press’s on again off again mentality.

I’d be lying if I said this album didn’t make me long for those hazy Madchester days filled with infectious tunes from the UK. Songs like “Feed it” and “It’s a Sign” hark back to the good old days of Britpop, while songs like “Teenage Suicide” and “A Song” show growth and the adoption/infusion of newer sounds and arrangements. Overall, the album is an enjoyable listen and should appeal to those folks that can remember the Manchester scene and some of the catchy tunes may even make it onto Modern Rock radio by fondly tugging at the memories of the music directors. After all, who can resist a resurgence of catchy, hook filled britpop?