The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir

It goes without saying that the Scotland Yard Gospel Choir have nothing to do with any part of their name. Instead, they've made two albums of comically dark indie pop that revelled in their gentleness and fragility. Their third album, …And The Horse You Rode In On, is for the most part, brasher and less guarded. That turns out to be a double-edged sword because that change has removed some of their charm. Of course, it doesn't help that this is a bitter, bitter album ― singer Elia Einhorn was just dumped and he definitely isn't too happy about it. He spouts mean-spirited lines in a way that's both cathartic for him and entertaining for the listener, but he doesn't come across as a very sympathetic character. Just like the last time around, it takes Mary Ralph's vocal contributions to add some sweetness and empathy to the situation. …And The Horse You Rode In On is more of a sideways step than a forward one, but its combination of memorable lyrics and hummable tunes makes for a solid album. It is, however, one that might not necessarily appeal to those that have crossed the band's path previously.