Musically, there are some inspired moments on Writer's Block. There's the whistling on catchy single Young Folks for a start.
Also on that tune the fast-beating undercurrent has echoes of Cook Island drumming; then there's the dangerous, smouldering bass line and drum machineversus real drums on Up Against the Wall (even though they steal from Joy Division); and best of all the "Shh shh shh" on The Chills.
But, sadly, there are some points where the album potters around like someone who can't be bothered cleaning the house.
Let's Call It Off is catchy, but to the point of being pedestrian (like a cross between the Bats and the Shadows), and Paris 2004 is a pointless whine.
The vocals will be a problem for some, and no doubt a joy to others. They - that's Peter, Bjorn and John - all sing so there are many different voices - funny then how it all sounds pretty monotone.
Fans of melancholic and meandering ditties will love it. Our own Connan and the Mockasins do these sorts of tunes just as well, if not better. And they vary things a little more than PBJ.
For others, and much of it's only because of the vocals, Writers Block could be a little lightweight and twee.
Verdict: Hardly a case of writer's block on third album from Swedish trio.
