Neon Trees
Picture Show

They risked going down in history as yet another shooting star, 'thanks' to that infamous single named "Animal," which introduced the general public to a new young band capable of making a splash right away with a sonic formula that cleverly mixed pop and brit rock (yes, these are the most English of American bands).

The anticipation for the second album "Picture Show" was therefore quite high: would Neon Trees manage to put together a decent work or would they end up like a random Lady Gaga, that is, good singles and lousy albums?

The start is phenomenal: "Moving in the Dark" is a steadily building mid-tempo that showcases a gritty guitar riff and a keyboard line as sticky as chewed gum. If the following "Teenage Sounds" slightly dampens the tone due to its lack of immediacy, despite the very high rhythm, from the single "Everybody Talks" onwards, listening to "Picture Show" becomes a triumphant ride that concludes with the explosive "I Am the Dj."

And worldwide success is sure to come, as the hits are plentiful: if the first single "Everybody Talks" doesn't break the charts, the various "Lessons in Love" (in collaboration with American DJ Kaskade), "Trust" (power ballad, best track of the album), "Close To You," and "Mad Love" are sure to make it. Also noteworthy is the beautiful artwork and the great work done on the lyrics, never banal despite the not-so-great variety, and some particularly meticulous arrangements.

What can I say, Neon Trees differentiates themselves from the rest of the artists populating the charts because in addition to releasing incredible singles, they also write excellent albums, unlike bands like The Fray or LMFAO, just to name a few.

If you missed them with the previous album, now you have no excuses to ignore them!

RATING: 8 (out of 10)