THE LUMINEERS

Brightside (Decca)

The Lumineers skip back onto the scene with vibrant fourth album Brightside, a cinematic love story from start to finish. The optimistic title track kicks off proceedings, proclaiming “I’ll be your brightside, baby, tonight,” as it tugs its loved one by the hand through the lack of motivation they are experiencing in their life. This thread carries into Where We Are, where the repetition of “I don’t know where we are, but it will be OK” becomes a mantra for the relationship depicted, as well as a reassuring lyric for listeners to cling onto.

Never Really Mine starts with stripped-back vocals and echoing guitar building to a rousing crescendo, before The Lumineers calm things down with Rollercoaster, showcasing mesmerising piano throughout that soothes like a lullaby. Reprise wraps up the story with, “I’m headed for the brightside, baby, tonight” before softly fading out, as you imagine the protagonist dramatically driving away into the distance.

words ANGHARAD BISHOP