THE "difficult" second album has been really troublesome for Athlete.

Tourist sees the ditching of the quirky pop which gave this four-piece commercial success in favour of a sound which can be easily dismissed as copy-cat Coldplay. When it works, it's fantastic, as evidenced by the strings-laden brilliant single Wires. But, attempting to be epic, Tourist reveals itself to be overblown and, most criminally, dull. The South Londoners should be praised for trying something different and for looking to develop their musical skills. But, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, and that's why Wires will be the only success on a record which may see Athlete fall from grace in spectacular style.

Updated: 08:50 Thursday, February 03, 2005