The Hold Steady are not the likeliest candidates for success but it is precisely their unassuming nature which has made for all the fuss. Stay Positive sees The Hold Steady return with an invigorating fourth album, packed with the electrifying wit, bar-flavoured rock and energy that made them a can't miss band of 2006.Reliability is The Hold Steady's calling card, and on Stay Positive they don't stray far from the tried and tested combination of orthodox guitar rock and gritty, observational lyrics. The only problem with sticking to one formula is that at times this album becomes dull and monotonous.

However, having the patience to really listen does pays off as The Hold Steady's simple honesty harks back to the earnest age of American rock: following in the path of Springsteen, Husker Du and the Replacements.As per the title, Stay Positive is a mostly optimistic album, with songs like ‘Constructive Summer' finding Craig Finn and co. enjoying their summer and definitely not being constructive. The title track is a tale of growing old happily, of missed opportunities and what seems like the awkwardness of being on the road in your late thirties, as Finn exclaims "most kids give me credit for being down with it."

However, ‘Both Crosses' proves that The Hold Steady are capable of producing more serious, gloomy, slow burners as well as instant anthems The song opens with the ambient humming of an electric guitar as Finn's lingering voice carries over a haunting melody, presenting a chilling vision of death and crucifixion. Contradictory to the albums title, this unsettling tone can be found elsewhere. Tad Kubler's epic guitar releases such remorseful anguish in ‘Lord I'm Discouraged' as Finn expertly dissects disappointed lives, where religion, drink, sex, drugs and rock n' roll have lead to freedom and yet end in self-destruction.Single ‘Sequestered in Memphis' is actually my least favourite track on the entire album. Despite the lively keyboard and catchy hooks it unfortunately has me asking whether obscurity beckons for The Hold Steady. Although its saving grace, as often is the case, is Finn's smoky voice as he sings "In bar-light, she looked alright/ In daylight she looked desperate."Quite simply Stay Positive is good, no fuss, rock n'roll stuck somewhere between monotony and genius.