For anyone that knows Yeasayer will remember their 2007 (to quote guitarist Anand Wilder) "sprawling debut" as an experimental tapestry of unidentifiable sounds that created a method of escapism. Pretty ironic considering their lyrics - especially the track entitled ‘2080’ which expressed a very non-existent future for the world we live in - that were layered upon very grand, epic instrumentals, making the end of the world sound like an Eastern celebration.

Chris Keating’s lead vocals have transformed from an indie drawl into a pop punk gasp. Is this the downward spiral of ‘selling out’ so as to make more accessible, money-making chart hits? Well the rumours can be settled once and for all because although this is definitely a step away, it is also a step forward. They have retained the layering of the rolling drumbeats, scratchy samples and harmonised vocals that make them unique, while kicking aside the teen angst from their first album to create a more optimistic feel.

We’ll have to wait for the rest of Blood to see if this has been a good move but based on ‘Ambling Alp’, I’m all ears.