2015 has certainly been Years & Years’ well, year… The British electronica trio have witnessed two singles reach the top 3 (one reaching the Number One spot and the other soaring straight into Number Two, respectively), a number one album and a slot at this year’s Glastonbury festival.

Debut album ‘Communion’ is a pleasant, beguiling affair; a fusion of synth-pop, electronica and house music. Abundant with festival ready hooks, dreamy synths, squeaky bass lines and front man Olly Alexander’s wailing vocals, it differs from usual synth-pop band albums in that it avoids separating the edge usually associated with this genre and heartfelt music. It makes use of punchy backing tracks and lyrics bursting with sincerity, resulting in a mixed affair of successes and failures.

The album’s main successes are its most successful singles, the ever-endearing ‘King’ and detuned ‘Shine’ in addition to its ballads. Gentle synth-pop ballad ‘Eyes Shut’ utilises elements of gospel music, complete with jumpy piano chord changes and finger click percussion. ‘Without’ is a saccharine synth-pop moment but it works whilst closing track ‘Memo’ is heartbreakingly beautiful. There are other triumphs – ‘Worship’ is a genuine highlight with its dirty, punchy percussion and gospel-induced synths whilst second track ‘Real’ (which should have been the opening track instead of the dreary and uninviting ‘Foundation’) is memorable with its squeaky bass lines and stamping percussion.

Whilst it may challenge the norm associated with the synth-pop genre, it’s hardly innovative. The album’s main issue is that the more up-tempo tracks lack diversity and therefore become instantly forgettable. Moreover, whilst Alexander’s voice certainly transmits an enchanting vulnerability and uniqueness, there is the possibility this may not hold up quite as strongly live, free of the highly cherished auto-tune.

Nevertheless, the album contains enough charm to just about compensate for these teething problems. It is an enjoyable listen and serves as a fitting introduction to the band. Its utilisation of a range of genres is a charming device but this could be exploited much further.

It’s perhaps best to consider Years and Years as a work in progress but they are certainly one to watch.

Rating: 3/5.

‘Communion’ is available now on Polydor/Universal records.