Adventures In the Underground Journey to the Stars (Bonus Track)

On their third album, South have a lot of cheer about; this record is their debut for Young American as well as their first attempt at self-production. Dave Eringa, who produced With the Tides, does mix a few tracks, however, Adventures instantly comes off as fresh and new. Their signature gauzy dream pop has shifted toward something more clean-cut and tangible. "There must be more to life/no more mistaking happiness" from album opener "Shallow" highlights a sunny energy from South. For fans who enjoy their work with James Lavelle might think South isn't serious here. That's the thing: they are. They're serious in finding a hospitable sound, and that's what Adventures is—a record that features a churning mix of acoustic and electric guitars, warm melodies, and dreamy vocals. As the momentum builds, the band's confidence grows, especially on album standout tracks such as "A Place in Displacement" and "You Are One." "Safety in Numbers" could be a more stripped-down version of "Colours in Waves." South doesn't strive to sound like anyone or anything else here. It's an enjoyable effort in the way that they have rediscovered themselves—as songwriters and musicians. It's good in a basic way. Fans of Badly Drawn Boy's Have You Fed the Fish and Doves' Some Cities should understand Adventures in the Underground Journey to the Stars.