It’s been a long three years since we’ve had anything new from Northern Irish band Two Door Cinema Club, their last release, Changing of the Seasons (an EP), wasn’t quite enough for fans who hadn’t heard a new full album since Beacon. It’s no easy task to move forward from the songs that were constantly heard on the radio, in adverts, games, and films; and sadly Two Door Cinema Club don’t seem to quite make the transition.

Despite this, there is something undeniably fun and feel-good about Gameshow, especially in the two opening tracks ‘Are We Ready (Wreck)’ and ‘Bad Decisions’. The vocals are more experimental this time round but work well with the music; TDCC have ensured that the album doesn’t feel hyper-produced or overdone - despite added effects, and it sets itself apart from anything they have done before.

"the band’s own familiar sound gets lost among the variety"

It is the album’s inspirations that make it so enjoyable; the 80s disco, pop-funk feeling that they have injected into their songs will undoubtedly make it popular. ‘Ordinary’ has an intro which calls on Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Everywhere’ before transforming into something completely different. To some extent there are too many different sounds within Gameshow and the band’s own familiar sound gets lost among the variety.

It can be difficult for artists to make themselves heard in a music scene where indie music isn’t quite as underground as it once was but Two Door Cinema Club manage to plant themselves firmly in the mix with an album that becomes more likeable with every listen.  It may not quite compare to their previous albums but it is definitely a solid effort and a fun return.

3/5