On their second album, typographically-annoying British indie rockers
Yourcodenameis: Milo refine their sound considerably, stripping away most of the post-hardcore elements that often cropped up in their earlier singles. Unfortunately, what's left behind is a pleasant but forgettable gloss on the commercial end of contemporary indie rock.
They Came from the Sun is not as pallid as the likes of
Snow Patrol or any of
Coldplay's many acolytes, but this is a distinctly weedy album in most spots. Paul Mullen's thin, colorless voice is not enough of a focal point for the listener to latch onto, and nor are his forgettably emo lyrics. Similarly, the characteristic slow build of Justin Lockley's guitars into explosive post-rock drone sections lacks the epic sweep of a group like
Explosions in the Sky or
Mogwai. Frustratingly, the album's first single "Understand" is actually terrific; built on the nervous rush of a
New Order-inspired bassline and the emotional release of the album's most memorable chorus, it sounds like the best song
Interpol has never done. Unfortunately, there's little else on this too-safe record to match it. ~ Stewart Mason