Turn
(Setanta/CD)
Andrew Lynch
When an album is given the same name as the band that made it, it's either because imagination is in short supply or because it's intended to be a grand, defining statement of intent. In the case of Turn, it turns out to be the latter. Life hasn't been easy for the Kells outfit in recent times, what with changing record companies and losing their original bass player to Idlewild. They needed a great record to stop the rot - and this is very nearly it. It's certainly their most commercial to date, with the spiky rock of old ditched in favour of a shiny production and smooth, poppy melodies. Some of it is so radio-friendly, in fact, that Louis Walsh is rumoured to have voiced his approval. Thankfully, Ollie Cole's reflective lyrics are still sharp enough to keep old Turn fans happy. A very impressive comeback.