It seems to be a re-occurring theme within the musical realm that when a release causes such a forceful and praise-ridden stir, the much-anticipated follow up rattles up a considerable amount of surprise - and for those who don’t like change, a great deal of dismay. Bon Iver and Noah and The Whale both received unrelenting recognition and acclaim with their respective debuts, and in turn shocked their mammoth collective of fans with their follow up releases (the Bon Iver release in question is of course the recent Volcano Choir album), a world away from what was seemingly expected of them. And now, the same could be said for Port O’Brien, who it would seem no longer spend their days frolicking in the sea and singing about the joys of daily banalities such as waking up in the morning.Befittingly named Threadbare, the California-based quartets second official release is as sombre and pensive as their first release All We Could Do Was Sing was light-hearted and youthful. Originally the project of Van Pierszalowski and Cambria Goodwin, the duo gained their sea-faring references from spending their summers in Alaska, and extend to a rhythm section for the sake of touring. Their debut achieved acclaim for its simplistic chants and energetic stomping, as well as the endless nautical references based on Pierszalowski’s summer job working on his fathers salmon fishing boat. Yet in Threadbare the naïve optimism that encircled the band is gone, leaving the raw and introspective core that was probably always there, but not entirely visible through their gay tails of the sea.Upon first listen, Threadbare seems incomparable to All We Could Do Was Sing, their transgression into the more melancholy folk cooperatives appearing incredibly dull when compared to their ballsy and exciting sound of yore, as would happen with a band that dished out happy-clappy anthems and then descended suddenly into more dismal waters. Yet the more frequently the album is played, it becomes nonsensical to even attempt to compare the two, especially as the tones are completely different. The new, stark themes of Port O’Brien range from a sense of tragedy and lack of hope to the discovery of true identity and purpose - reflected in the evolution of the band onto an unfamiliar and honest level, provoked further by the passing of Goodwin’s brother shortly before the album was recorded, a tragedy that does not captivate the album, but the presence of which is always felt.Goodwin’s endearingly frail vocals often take centre point on the album, their ethereal quality sitting in perfect juxtaposition with the albums wistful atmosphere. In opening track ‘High Without The Hope 3’ Goodwin introduces the new, mature Port O’Brien, singing “Somehow I have always known/Next season we’d be on our own/I’m getting high without the hope”, and delivering a usual batch of Port O’Brien communal humming, but with a ghostly touch that conveys complete sadness. First single from the album ‘My Will Is Good’ possesses catchy percussion and Pierszalowski’s warm and strong vocals, while ‘Oslo Campfire’ recycles the good of fashioned Port O’Brien sing-a-long ethos, and while it doesn’t necessarily make you want to jump up and jive, it is still incredibly engaging and unbelievably easy to love. This a theme that is continued throughout the album, each song containing a bit of the old and new sounds, creating an irrefutable combination.The good bits of Port O’Brien’s initial efforts are still very much intact on Threadbare, with the addictive drum rolls, quirky folksy humming and strong desire to sing along, but so much more has been added to the mix. Insightful and heartbreakingly accurate lyrics, gentle and ghost-like vocals, carefully arranged orchestral strings and an overall essence of a matured outlook on life. Its not an album you could run around the beach singing along to, but more one to appreciate around the camp-fire when the sun has gone down, when it’s just you, your friends and the unsettling realisation that life isn’t always perfect.Maybe once upon a time all they could do was sing, but Threadbare proves that Port O’Brien are so much more than careless frolics around the sea and on the beaches.Port O'Brien on MySpace