A welcome return to Fariņa who enchanted many on their heartfelt 2001 debut 'Three People' with their distinctly English sound. The long overdue follow-up - which, in typically eccentric form they have named 'Allotments' - continues their skills with a variety of musical instruments and vocal duties shared around all four regular band members. The celebratory opener 'Island Of Hotels', backed by a choir and festooned with trumpets, is a colourful and optimistic start. Although never descending into novelty status, some tunes do seem to favour smart lyrical matter over memorable hooks but when Mark Brend lends his lovely, aching tones to 'B-Side' and 'Never Any Good' it is clear that their melodic heart still beats stronger than ever.