THE ex-Blur guitarist has chosen the eternal theme of love as the lyrical bedrock of this comeback, and all the happiness and bitterness it throws forth. Thankfully, Coxon s forensic disection and analysis of his own bad experiences has created some great

THE ex-Blur guitarist has chosen the eternal theme of love as the lyrical bedrock of this comeback, and all the happiness and bitterness it throws forth.

Thankfully, Coxon's forensic disection and analysis of his own bad experiences has created some great moments, not least in first single Standing On My Own Again, which sets the musical as well as lyrical tone.

His barrow-boy accent allied to the simple structure of late-70s punk tunes has created a brace of invigorating songs.

But he complements the raucous rabble-rousers with some quiet, beautiful moments, particularly in the flute-infused Flights To The Sea (Lovely Rain).

A cohesive, focussed and high-standard slab of work. 4/5