It’s impossible to listen to Strawberry Sky, for instance, without envisioning the bleeding glow of a tropical sunset, the red tinge shimmering upon the water; or the sudden desire for a drink adorned with a piece of fruit and with a tiny umbrella in it, mixed by Tom Cruise – the 62-year-old version, though, not the one from 1988’s Cocktail. Meanwhile, A Ghost To Live With, with its plucked acoustic and earnest croon, recalls John Mayer, with Aled Phillips’ lyrics showing that the passing of time has brought him more to say – not all of it positive – and an increased openness to say it (‘We’re picking up the pieces / The black box still remains’.)
To paraphrase the title of one of its best tracks, Pink Flamingo feels like déjà vu. Of both what made Kids In Glass Houses special in the first place and the decade when pop rocked – albeit shot through with the passion and perspective of a band who are happy to be back – and sounding even more glad to be alive. Get tickled pink.
Verdict: 4/5
For fans of: You Me At Six, Twin Atlantic, Don Broco
Pink Flamingo is released on October 25 via Family Recipe