Blur

Review: Blur fans might have been forgiven by approaching 'The Magic Whip', the band's first album in thirteen years and first with lynchpin guitarist Graham Coxon for sixteen, with a degree of trepidation. Yet, in heartwarming fashion, this eighth effort stands as both a testimony to the band's enduring appeal and their experimental, restless side. Written in jam sessions and via an exchange of ideas from Coxon and Damon Albarn, it nods graciously to all eras of the band, whilst it also offering fresh influences - Coxon has talked of 'sci-fi folk' - and a plaintive air of melancholy hangs over many of the well-crafted ditties herein. Yet most importantly, 'The Magic Whip' is possessed of all the charm, ennui and exquisite songwriting of this iconic band at their best.