A brave band indeed, to come back like the Inspirals have with a self-titled album. But any concerns they haven’t got anything to say are happily blown away by this album, which – while it might not be a return to the form of ‘Saturn 5’ and ‘Dragging Me Down’ days – still suggests the band have a lot to offer. Clint Boon’s voice is a bit darker these days and it suits him – especially when the trademark organ is in tow. There is an inner resilience to songs like ‘Spitfire’ and the strong ‘Calling Out To You’, while ‘A to Z of My Heart’ displays a vulnerable side in the middle of its cheery bluster. So while the Inspirals might not be an essential band for new recruits, existing fans – and there are many – will be very satisfied by this!
4 out of 5
Reviewed by Ben Hogwood
