You have to admire The Fray. Having been a soundtrack staple for every melodramatic medical drama the other side of the Atlantic, they continue to slog away in an effort to escape How To Save A Life‘s shadow.

‘Helios’ is the band’s fourth release. Produced by serial hit-maker and OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder, questions arise as to whether they’ve changed up the formula this time around.

Lead single Love Don’t Die sounds uncharacteristic for The Fray. A bit snarly, a bit country, the band sound re-energised and defiant. Singer Isaac Slade snaps between kick drum beats, “They’ll never take my body from your side.”

Hurricane follows a similar vein, comparing women to natural disasters in a boot-stomping affair, with lyrics that lack imagination and a repetitive chorus.

It is safe to say that this is the album where the band have branched out musically and experimented. The common theme of love and heartbreak remain, but are now dressed up with synth, choirs and percussion.

Shadow And A Dancer is one of the highlights of the LP. Though occasionally, Slade borders on unintelligible vocally, overall the sound is beautifully atmospheric thanks to their latest innovations.

Arguably, not releasing Give It Away as a single was a missed opportunity. Jazzy piano responds to equally disco-esque guitars, on the band’s catchiest track in years.

The whole album has the feel of sci-fi movie soundtrack. Slade’s sweet vocals and falsetto contrast greatly with the ominous synth and violins that make Same As You. While it has its moments, as the song finishes, it comes across as more than a little indulgent.

The band don’t do themselves any favours with lyrics such as, “I take two steps forward and don’t look back”, on Closer To Me. Keep On Wanting is forgettable and, while not a bad track, doesn’t really bring anything to the table.

While they can be applauded for finally branching out and trying something new, The Fray miss the mark on several occasions on ‘Helios’. They give glimpses of their potential as a rock band, only to combat them with the same old sob-along material that has now firmly run its course.