The Coronas

Closer to You 3ú Records**

They've become whipping boys for music snobs who scoffed at their supposed "J1 rock", but The Coronas made a smart move by recording their third album in Los Angeles with Tony Hoffer. It's a canny pairing; Hoffer has worked with The Kooks, who indubitably share DNA with the Dubliners' radio- friendly pop-rock sound. Yet despite the group's professional advancement, the songs on Closer to Youare simply too prosaic to make any lasting impression. Danny O'Reilly's swarthy voice remains The Coronas' strongest weapon, but it's not enough to keep the album's uneven tone from veering predictably between glossy ballads ( Write to Me, Closer to You) and Coldplay-esque thumpers ( Addicted to Progress). And there's a strange diddly-eye Irish folk vibe peddled on My Godand Dreaming Again. Should have been better. See thecoronas.net

Download tracks: Addicted to Progress, Make It Happen