Rating 4/5.

Kodaline are far from new to the music world. Having started their musical career under the name 21 Demands, the Birmingham based Dublin formed quartet broke music history when they became the first independent act to top the Irish Singles Chart with their début single 'Give Me A Minute'.

A change of name came in 2011, followed by a change of base, with 2012 seeing the release of their first EP - the critically acclaimed 'Kodaline'. The EP not only caught the attention of Radio 1's Fearne Cotton, but also the ears of Grey's Anatomy producers, who featured 'Remember The Time.

A nomination for BBC's Sound of 2013 followed, with the swift release of 2 further EPs - 'The High Hopes' and 'Love Like This' (which coincidentally headed up their two British single releases to date. With the music world paying close attention to their every move, Kodaline have chased in on the hype with the release of album 'In A Perfect World'.

Unsurprisingly 'In A Perfect World' contains the choice cuts of their three EP releases from the last 12 months, alongside a small selection of new material to reward the dedicated fans.

This is not a move that warrants criticism. For while fans of old may feel slightly cheated that they already own and cherish 4 of the 11 tracks (7 of the 14 from the extended release), Kodaline have ensured that the through-line and appeal of their début release in unquestionable.



While comparisons to fellow Irishmen U2 and The Script have already been bandied around for the quartet, 'In A Perfect World' is strikingly reminiscent of Coldplay meeting Mumford & Sons - which in the grand scheme of things is far from a bad thing.

Although it is hard to pin-point lowlights, the highlights are glaringly. Though singles 'High Hopes' and 'Love Like This' were obvious choices given their radio friendly nature, it is the mournful euphoria of 'Talk' and reminiscent singalong 'Way Back When' that steal the show.