Belle and Sebastian
Late Developers
Release Date: Jan 13, 2023
Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Pop, Alternative Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Pop, Twee Pop
Record label: Matador
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Album Review: Late Developers by Belle and Sebastian
Fairly Good, Based on 2 Critics
Based on rating 4
As a surprise shot in the arm to get the year off to a good start, Stuart Murdoch and co’s second album in 12 months is a very welcome New Year present As January is traditionally the most depressing of months – the post-Christmas buzz has worn off, nobody has any money and the back to work grind is in full effect – the odd surprise is very welcome. And they don’t come much more surprising than a second Belle and Sebastian album in less than 12 months. Last May, Stuart Murdoch’s band released their 11th studio album, A Bit Of Previous, recorded throughout lockdown in their home city of Glasgow.
Based on rating 5/10
When was the last time a surprise album felt like a surprise? For an act like Belle and Sebastian, the group behind perfect '90s indie-pop records like If You're Feeling Sinister, there isn't a huge risk in dropping their latest album, Late Developers, with a week's notice. In the last decade or so, the Scottish band are firmly in their twilight years, releasing decent albums with low stakes and a handful of surprises. On Late Developers, bandleader Stuart Murdoch's engaging storytelling and familiar voice gives a needed sense of steadiness to the band's poppiest, weakest album in years.
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