Chilled out Italian rockers The Lorean are set to release sophomore album Morning Freedom upon the damp UK. Though sounding more like a record meant for a sunny spring day, the 5-piece's efforts could worm its way into a record collection or two.

Edging more to the pop end of rock, don't expect to hear anything mosh-worthy as tracks like 'Invisible Sun' contain riffs the Goo Goo Dolls would be proud of; rolling, undulating rock perfect for background dinner music. Sounds boring? It's arguable. The relaxed tones of the songs some metal fans may not appreciate, as this serenading love-song quintet are one for the ladies and the more laid back audience. Some tracks even carry whiffs of a Tracy Chapman riff ('Book Of My Days', 'Mkj') and the cynical might match the girly whispers to pop-princess James Blunt.

Ballad 'Mkj' is teeth-grittingly underdone as the murmuring tones, while striving to be exceptionally different, need more gut-wrenching passion to belt the chorus out stadium rock Kings Of Leon style. The high- pitched vocals, while you have to admit there's something there, they don't quite fulfil the dawdling-riff/slow-song requirements, unlike the aforementioned Miss Chapman.

The verdict? It's good enough for your car stereo on the way to The Big Chill, but maybe not Kerrang! Magazine's best album.

Rating: 3/5 by Ali Ryland

Tracklisting

1. Morning Freedom
2. Misunderstandings
3. Invisible Sun
4. Book Of My Days
5. Changes
6. Myself
7. Secret Days Part Ii
8. Mkj
9. Close Up
10. Glory
11. Wave

Further links

The Lorean on MySpace

MySpace for laidback Italian 5-piece The Lorean