In some ways it’s an apt title for this new collection of songs. It’s not a radical departure from 2014 ‘sself-titled debut album. ‘Again & Again’ is essentially more of the same. Considering the hit rate on their debut album that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. After all, If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

‘Again & Again’ opens with the typical briskness that you associate with Raglans in the form of Who Knows. From the start, there is a noticeable extra layer of sheen applied though. That could be down to producer Jason Wade from US band Lifehouse whos’ own band has a highly commercial sound. It’s a vibrant, high velocity tune that’s primetime radio ready. The rapid drum roll at the start signals intent with hurried guitar and Raglans’ trademark harmonies are present and correct. If there is a complaint is that it’s a little obvious. It is instantly likeable, but loses some if its vitality over repeated listens.

True North grabs you even quicker. It’s shimmering guitars stand out among Raglans’ catalogue of songs and makes it one of the most identifiable songs.  Over time the song that stands out most is War Torn. Amongst the hustle and bustle of Raglans’ uproarious tongs, WarTorn is much more measured and builds to a resounding crescendo. It has the depth that was missing from the quick thrills of the opening songs. House Where I Was Born is another rapid-fire tune that is competent but doesn’t hold attention as much over days and weeks, certainly not compared to other Raglans songs. It just doesn’t have enough to define itself as sufficiently different form what’s gone on before.

If ‘Again & Again’ were a meal is a tasty morsel, but not the full three courses that we were expecting. It’s quick to please, but the aftertaste doesn’t linger on the palette as long as it should. For now it should be enough to tide fans over until Raglans’ next full release.”

– Frank Hughes, GoldenPlec

The first point of reference for this album is that this is familiar ground. There’s nothing on here that hasn’t been done already. This is the same no frills indie rock that we’ve heard a thousand times before. What separates it and elevates it above your average meat ‘n’ potato indie offering is that the Raglans are exceptionally good at what they do. Any of the eleven songs included could potentially be a single with the album chock-a-block with huge hooks and choruses.  Natives and (Lady) Roll Back The Years are the pick of the bunch, two utterly irresistible slices of pop-rock that most bands can only dream of writing.

It’s not just the melodies that make this album appealing, it also carries an energy and wide-eyed charm that makes it impossible not to like. Fake Blood and The Man from Glasgow both brim with punk-rock spikiness.  Down and Born in Storms are equally lively. The latter in particular deserves praise; a mandolin-driven number complete with huge gang choruses.  The rest of the album plays out pretty much the same as the above. Yes, at times it feels generic and it does get a bit repetitive but its faults are easy to ignore when the music is so fun and infectious.

It’s unlikely this album will change the world but it should make stars of the Raglans. With its mix of youthful exuberance, vigour and passion it should at the very least provide the soundtrack of this summer for more than a few Irish revellers. Expect to hear a lot more from these lads over the next twelve months, they are the real deal.”

– Cian Walsh, GoldenPlec