The Tubs return with "Hard Life", their third album and another collection of sharp, jangling guitar pop from the London-based band. After "Dead Meat" and "Cotton Crown", their mix of British indie pop, post-punk and distinctly Celtic folk influences is immediately recognisable, but this time the sound is broader and more ambitious.

Ringing guitars and Owen Williams' unmistakable vocals remain at the centre, while the addition of fiddle player Chris Haigh gives songs such as "Hard Life" and "Stoop To Me" an extra folk edge. Elsewhere, "Who's Gonna Love You Now?" turns worries about love, money and getting older into exactly what The Tubs do best - an irresistible guitar-pop song with a huge melodic lift.

Melancholy lyrics, jangling guitars, dry humour and melodies that make everything sound considerably more cheerful than it actually is. "Hard Life" takes The Tubs' wonderfully British mixture of indie rock and folk-pop another step forward without losing the hooks.