Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Despite its cover looking like one of those cheap and nasty Stock, Aitken and Waterman releases from the late 80s, this 2017 album from London-based electro pop outfit Ooberfuse is nonetheless a decent affair. Consisting of Cherie Anderson and Hal St John, the group have become well-known for highlighting hefty issues in their songs over the years but things get off to a more workaday start with the likes of "Secret Tattoo" and "My Lover" dealing with the subject of what sounds like forbidden love in a way that could easily find them on a Radio 1 playlist. Anderson's quirky and emotive vocals are what makes each song work and, whilst her co-vocalist and producer colleague St John keeps the instrumental backing fairly basic and perhaps slightly underdeveloped, there are enough catchy numbers on offer for a repeat play or two. The pair's Christian faith is referenced in the likes of "We Are One" and the single "Greater Love" whilst the upbeat bubblegum pop of "Why Oh Why" tackles an age old existential question in fun fashion. Elsewhere, US vocalist Daniel Cartier makes a cameo on "Bruise" before arguably the album's highlight "On My Knees" - the video of which saw the pair highlight the plight of children caught up in the war on drugs in Anderson's native Philippines - showcases Ooberfuse's ability to hit the nail on the head when required.

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