Lacuna (Bonus Track Version)

Because the British band Childhood formed at Nottingham University, they often fall into the Britpop category and earn comparisons to The Stone Roses, Blur, and other U.K. bands at least 10 years their senior. However, the sounds on Lacuna—an album recorded with producer Dan Carey at his London studio—should break all preconceived notions. Yes, the album is modernly psychedelic in its pursuit of blissful melodies and heady mixes of sounds, but such shorthand doesn’t come close to explaining the euphoria of “Blue Velvet,” “You Could Be Different,” and the single “Falls Away.” The vocals of Ben Romans-Hopcraft guide the songs with a pleasant, never overbearing, touch. With his vocals pushed to the front of a midtempo track like “As I Am,” the effect is tilted toward pop music; many other bands would insist on emphasizing the waves of guitars. Obviously shimmering and subtle, Lacuna never overpowers the listener; it prefers to soothe. This bonus-track version adds three worthy tunes that allow for more of a very good thing.