The Little Ones have finally release their début album! The Los Angeles group have had to continually put back the release because of losing their recording contract, but less of that and more about the music. They have already gathered a following in Britain following their stint supporting Kaiser Chiefs last year; their light infectious pop sound had many paying attention.

I remember last year getting a copy of their first EP, Sing Song; as a self confessed fan of the Beach Boys it immediately grabbed my attention and how I hope the full album can keep up that momentum. I was impressed by their sunny disposition on that original release; a welcome break from the gloom peddlers that appear to be en vogue at this present time.

Dan Le Sac said “How hard is it to get up decide to be in a good mood and then be in a good mood?” I ponder this as I listen, if I was waking to this each morning it would be a rather easy task, The Little Ones could even make Gordon Brown crack a smile (maybe). They aren’t pushing boundaries, but who needs to push boundaries when you are floating on little rays of sunshine.

The title track Morning Tide pretty much sets the standard for the album, this is a double edged sword. Although it is a great standard to start from they appear to have a morbid fear of stepping too far away from it; as becomes apparent as you hear Rise and Shine. I want to scream at them to be a little more ambitious! Their lack of ambition and variety is the major flaw in this album.

Maybe I judged too soon as there is one glimmer of progression, one chink of light, and I followed it as quick as a rat up a drainpipe. It comes in the form of Waltz; those familiar with The Bees’ will be grinning from ear to ear. My happiness is tinged with confusion, if they can achieve this why, in the name of Basil Brush, don’t they do it more often!

It is the middle of summer so we need happy music and ice cream! The Little Ones provide the happy music, you can find your own ice cream. Remember kids summer only lasts a couple of months so enjoy it whilst it lasts... there's a message in there somewhere.

Rating 6/10 – Drifting along with the tide.

Reviewed by Darren