It may be difficult to suppress one’s loathing for Coldplay, but it is equally difficult to deny them their ability to write a clinical pop anthem that has strong melody and mass appeal. Fortunately, for those of us who jump at the opportunity to criticize, we can easily blame them for what has followed.

Those who frequent the staple diet of Radio 1 were forced to endure the bland tastes of bands like Keane and Athlete, bands who rarely found the melodic brilliance of their forefathers, and others who were simply hopeless. Regrettably, Animal Kingdom now join those who didn’t quite make it. Two By Two is yet another single which lacks substance, and more importantly the captivating vocal integral to the modern pop ballad.

Although producing an uncomplicated stylish sound, thanks in part to producer Phil Ek (The Shins), the nod to their influences (the usual cast of Radiohead, Coldplay, Beatles) is all too obvious, and rather than enhance their music, inhibits it. Equally their celebrated on stage presence has been lost behind a distinct lack of inspiration and originality.
As a third single from the album ‘Signs and Wonders’ released in September last year, it is very much a vain attempt to conjure the hit single that they are desperately looking for, and highlights the demise of an exhausted genre.

Two By Two is out on February 15th (Warner Music UK) and are playing a one off release gig at Borderline, Orange Yard on the 23rd (tickets £6 in advance).