In the realm of ballad-centric rock, Athlete are certainly one of the genre's finer exponents, and while they perhaps have lost a little of the cheeky charm that was so prevalent and so enjoyable on their debut album from 2003, Vehicles & Animals, it’s clear that what they are dishing up is still fairly tasty.

Their fourth studio album, Black Swan opens with synth-flavoured first single Superhuman Touch, a song vaguely retro in atmosphere. Polished production shines through on this track, as a huge, euphoric sound is created. The initial effect is laudable, and from this promising start the record continues to impress while at the same time never deviating from the formulaic style the band are associated with – that of fellow piano rock balladeers such as Coldplay, The Hours or The Fray.

Nonetheless, at this stage Athlete are the equal of any of their competitors in what is admittedly an extremely crowded genre. Given that the album is sublimely put together, a nod must be given to producer Tom Rothrock’s efforts. Notably, his former work includes records by Elbow, and it is that group that Athlete most sound like on Black Swan. This is certainly no bad thing, and is a massive improvement over the band’s previous release Beyond The Neighbourhood, which the band produced themselves… poorly.

While the overall impression is glorious, there are occasions when the veneer slips somewhat, as on Love Come Rescue which, though sweet and earnest it undoubtedly is, does sound distressingly like the sort of thing The Kooks might venture to put on the airwaves. Having said that, there are moments here that are truly uplifting; the climax of second track The Getaway, where soaring guitars are matched by Joel Pott’s vocals right to the end. Likewise, as the jangling guitar riffs come together with the thumping bass drum on Light The Way. Album closer Rubik’s Cube is remarkably similar to the output of The Decemberists or Death Cab For Cutie. No two ways about it, Athlete are a band who are damn good at what they do.

The only question is; does what they do have any merit? Sure, the music may be commendable, even beautiful in places, but if it merely echoes what countless other indie piano rock acts are doing or have done in the past, then what is the point of any of it?

Well, it all boils down to what you make of the genre itself: If the mere mention of groups like Snow Patrol or Coldplay initiate your gag reflex then the very idea of another band, even one that has been around for quite a while like Athlete, studiously aping some of the aforementioned acts’ better qualities will doubtless cause you to retch uncontrollably. If, on the other hand, you retain a sneaking admiration for some of the more palatable aspects of said groups, then your attitude should be that you can never have too much of a good thing.

- Sebastian Clare

SEE WHAT YOU MAKE OF THE FIRST SINGLE FROM BLACK SWAN: