Belle and Sebastian

If Belle & Sebastian fans are expecting something grittier and edgier in the Scottish band’s eighth studio album, Write About Love, they won’t find it here. What makes this indie band so flawlessly satisfying is their daring consistency over the years, churning out silky smooth sixties pop melodies that are soaked with signature soft vocals. Belle & Sebastian know their niche—and they have fun with it. They seamlessly produce lyric-laced, beautifully arranged acoustic music you can count on.

The second album produced by Tony Hoffer (after 2006’s well-received The Life Pursuit), Write About Love requires a few listens before you can really feel it out. “Come on Sister,” “Calculating Bimbo” and the album’s single “I Didn’t See It Coming” stand out, with the latter showcasing a delicious back-and-forth between Stuart Murdoch and Sarah Martin. Though some songs are more remarkable than others (Norah Jones’s sleepy collaboration in “Little Lou, Ugly Jack, Prophet John” unfortunately falters), the album is beautifully arranged: Each song fits into the greater musical composition. As seen in the building groundwork of “Come on Sister,” as well as the wondrously upbeat “I’m Not Living In the Real World,” the appeal of this album comes from its brilliance in details. Twelve-string guitars, synthetic organs and electric keyboards come together piece by piece to build yet another satisfying go-round by Belle & Sebastian.

Though listeners shouldn’t expect anything groundbreaking, Write About Love reminds us once again of the subtle genuis of Belle & Sebastian in their tried and true consistency; if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.