A crushing sense of dread and anxiety has long fuelled the songbook of Spanish Love Songs frontman Dylan Slocum. Painstakingly honest lyricism and rousing punk rock tunes have helped his band to steadily grow in popularity over the last eight years, but this fourth album shows that they’re still capable of surprises. The most immediately striking change may disappoint those expecting another album of gruff melodi-core in the vein of The Menzingers or Jawbreaker. Right from the start of opener Lifers, with its shimmering synths and sparkling production sheen, it’s clear that Spanish Love Songs are now operating closer to the drivetime alt-rock of The Killers than any of their former contemporaries. This new direction was partly heralded by Brave Faces Etc, their post-lockdown reimagini...