The collapse of the original Associates lineup in the wake of Billy Mackenzie’s refusal to tour and eventual claiming of the band name for himself, followed by lengthy recording sessions that included a suspicious disappearance of a whole album’s worth of material, meant Perhaps was burdened with expectations, to put it mildly. It wasn’t anywhere near the levels of Sulk’s hysterical power, but the easy and bright pop delights of “Those First Impressions” and “Waiting For The Love Boat” and the vivid blue mood of “Breakfast” show Mackenzie having a blast.

– Ned Raggett