Black Box Recorder's debut album achieved praise from many quarters for it's tunes of singalong simplicity allied with distinctly adult lyrics. Now the band (led by The Auteurs' Luke Haines) have produced a similarly-styled second album. This time though the crossover to mainstream success has been reached with 'The Facts Of Life' single achieving airplay despite the seedily suggestive words based on the lustful minds of young boys. It's a rather patchy affair which starts off superbly with two tunes about the dangers of driving too fast ('The Art Of Driving' and 'The English Motorway System') both de-glamourising boy racers to fine effect whilst being remarkably catchy at the same time; a rare and commendable feat. The mid-section of the record becomes rather bland at times; lyrically incisive but lacking killer choruses or anything which will stir the memory; Sarah Nixey's austere vocals giving the impression that she's getting bored with life. But, then again, as the album is full of irony, that may well be the point.