Retaining the confidently diverse formula of acoustic grooves, rock riffs and a touch of foreign tongues in their lyrics, Auckland experimental rock trio Midweektonic return with a second album. The first observation is the minimalistic approach to presentation with a recycled cardboard sleeve – after their debut album was an outstanding package with memorable graphics and artwork.

Vocals are shared with drummer Yair Katz taking the majority of singing spots comfortably. The band’s motifs and structures are their secret weapon and provide a running thread across the album, their songs often leaving you with that feeling you’ve heard it before. Guitarist Richard Ingamels shines nowhere more than on the seven-minute-long Broken Window with an extended solo section that channels Carlos Santana’s finest improvisational moments. Bassist Andrew Burt’s vocal deliveries on Ordinary Man and Forever Just Too Much provide variation in the band’s sound but readily blend into the playlist. The three freely transition to riffing sections and successfully manage to incorporate their wide range of musical ideas into the 10 tracks without detracting from the strength of the songs. With styles ranging from reggae to ballads and indie rock, ‘Innocence Lost’ is a complete package of engaging ideas delivered in a distinctly familiar accent.