IT'S hard for a band to soldier on after losing its singer. In fact, many bands split for good once their singer calls it quits.

But despite Daniel Wylie leaving to go solo, the Cosmic Rough Riders have produced a fifth album, their second without Wylie.

I have fond memories of the Cosmic Rough Riders' early material, especially the album Enjoy The Melodic Sunshine, full of songs which made you feel you were lying in a field at a festival on a bright, sunny day.

But Wylie's departure has meant the Beach Boys/Byrds/ early R.E.M. feel to the Cosmic Rough Riders has also gone.

After hearing The Stars Look Different From Down Here, it is clear the remaining Riders are caught between two categories.

They no longer have the relaxed, hippy feel from their early works, as they now favour electric guitar-based indie rock.

But this brand of indie rock doesn't have the hook or edge you get with other guitar bands such as Franz Ferdinand, Artic Monkeys or Bloc Party.

This album still sounds OK but there just aren't any tracks which really stand out from the crowd.

I much prefer the Riders' earlier material and Wylie's solo work.