Bipolar Empire

Feel That You Own It Self-released ***

Recording in Los Angeles with REM producer Pat McCarthy, enlisting Muse bassist Chris Wolstenholme to make a live guest appearance, and boxing champ Katie Taylor to star in their video – Bipolar Empire don't muck about when it comes to getting things done. The Tallaght foursome's time in LA has embedded much of their standard pop-rock blueprint with a laid-back Americana feel, best heard on the warm strum of Trip Around the World, while sharp-eared viewers will recognise the catchy Tempomaniacfrom an RTÉ promo reel. The band's unapologetically radio-friendly fare swerves into schmaltz at times – their cloyingly motivational lyrics don't help matters. Yet Shane O'Reilly's soaring operatic vocals keep things breezy, while fans of Wings (harmonies) and Red Hot Chili Peppers (basslines) will find plenty to like here. See bipolarempire.com

Download tracks: Tempomaniac, Trip Around the World