Where once Fanfarlo traded in sublimely optimistic and triumphal pop, their second LP sees them shroud it in confusion. They’ve happily retained their intricate instrumentation, but here it’s used to balance against the now-hiding melodies. Which, you’d think, should make for a confusing and uninvolving listen. In fact, it’s this very balanced game of hide-and-seek (or clarinet countermelody- and-power chord, if you will) that makes ‘Rooms Filled With Light’ so successful and satisfying. Fine, intelligent and, at times, thoroughly heart-warming – but you’ve got to work for it.

Daniel Ross