Following their 2011 debut, ‘Rise Ye Sunken Ships’, Augustines return with their eagerly awaited self-titled album.

It’s been quite the journey for the Brooklyn based boys, with the first album revealing the hardships life has thrown at them; most prominently the death of front man Billy McCarthy’s brother. But despite its surrounding themes the album radiated a huge sense of positivity, paving the way for Augustines to grow and prosper.

The bands second offering has much more of a mature feel to it, continuing its sense of optimism and confidence, proving that the boys have come a long way in the past couple of years, as well as becoming a hell of a lot more ambitious, revealing a sense of regeneration within the band.

The opening track leads us to the familiar sound of McCarthy’s distinctively scruffy voice, From the first few notes ‘Cruel City’ exudes positivity and a new found boldness, setting the bar for the rest of the album. The positive vibes continue with ‘Nothing to lose but your head’ and ‘Kid you’re on your own,’ uplifting and bouncy tracks that aren’t dis-similar to early works of Mumford and Sons.

The fifth track ‘Walkabout’ is exactly what we’ve all been waiting for. The compilation of soft vocals and light piano works, creating a heartfelt piano based ballad. As the song progresses a beautiful blending of added instruments and increased pace builds up to what is possibly the most emotional song on the album.

A strong finish to the album is ‘Hold onto anything,’ the descending sounds of military drum beats and the masculine shouts of McCarthy, wind down to a quiet and satisfactory finish.

Augustines marks a triumphant return for the trio, lets hope the wait won’t be as long next time.