On their third album, South have a lot of cheer about; this record is their debut for Young American as well as their first attempt at self-production. Dave Eringa, who produced With the Tides, does mix a few tracks, however, Adventures instantly comes off as fresh and new. Their signature gauzy dream pop has shifted toward something more clean-cut and tangible. "There must be more to life/no more mistaking happiness" from album opener Shallow highlights a sunny energy from South. For fans who enjoy their work with James Lavelle might think South isn't serious here. That's the thing: they are. They're serious in finding a hospitable sound, and that's what Adventures is--a record that features a churning mix of acoustic and electric guitars, warm melodies, and dreamy vocals. As the momentum builds, the band's confidence grows, especially on album standout tracks such as A Place in Displacement and You Are One. Safety in Numbers could be a more stripped-down version of Colours in Waves. South doesn't strive to sound like anyone or anything else here. It's an enjoyable effort in the way that they have rediscovered themselves--as songwriters and musicians. It's good in a basic way. Fans of Badly Drawn Boy's Have You Fed the Fish and Doves' Some Cities should understand Adventures in the Underground Journey to the Stars. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, Rovi

1		Shallow
2		Habit of a Lifetime
3		You Are One
4		Pieces of a Dream
5		Know Yourself
6		A Place in Displacement
7		Safety in Numbers
8		What Holds Us
9		Up Close and Personal
10		Meant to Mean
11		Flesh and Bone