Mt Desolation - Mt Desolation

Pilfering members from other bands including Mumford & Sons, Noah & The Whale and The Killers and masterminded by two members of Keane, Mt Desolation is a charmingly effective collection of ideas and styles.

Tracks like the gorgeously lush and sombre Bridal Gown stand head and shoulders above the more traditional country sound that litters the majority of the album. When it wants to, the album is a genuinely moving piece of work; the sparse downbeat melody of State of our Affairs is superior to anything Keane have ever served up. ‘Bitter Pill’ sounds like a tribute to the finer moments of Crowded House whilst Annie Ford, with its twinkling guitars echoes elements of Springsteen in his former heyday.

Coming in at just over forty minutes long, the album doesn’t outstay its welcome, but at times it feels as though the group are leaning a little too heavily on the Eagles for inspiration. The sliding guitars at the start of Another night on my Side or the slow drawl of The Midnight Ghost wouldn’t have sounded out of place coming out of the speakers four decades ago.

Certainly at its worst, it’s a somewhat cheesy but never offensive piece of work. At its most delightful moments though, the band have shown a strong pedigree of musical talent that bodes well for a follow up.