After some time out in the cold, the locals are back to pick up where they left off, treating The Prince Albert to an intimate showcase of experimental rock.

2012 saw the Tall Ships’ airtime and popularity rapidly rise. The band headlined the BBC Introducing Stage of Reading Festival, coinciding with the release of their debut LP, Everything Touching. Unfortunately however, the hype didn’t last long, with the final product falling below expectation.

After a very quiet 2013, the band seem eager to regain their momentum, with Saturday’s homecoming the last of a nine-show tour, promoting their impending second album.

Sadly, little new material was showcased, and, although this had the audience singing along, there was a clear sense of frustration in frontman, Ric Phethean’s voice, as he apologised for the group’s lack of productivity.

Tracks such as Books and T=0 boosted commanding intro riffs, but seemed to fade away into soft, run-of-the-mill indie tracks before long. Phethean’s soothing vocals are captivating, but just didn’t carry enough momentum.

Tall Ships’ experimental, math-rock style oozes originality whilst maintaining key, catchy fundaments. A rich sound proves the band’s ability, and hopefully, the impending new album will bring the band back into the limelight.