Sumerian Vinyl & CDs

Review: The Smashing Pumpkins' transformation from melodic alt-rock deities to synth-driven electronic boppers is complete. Well, almost. The titular single certainly fits that easy narrative, laser beam chords and string refrains bursting from behind a track that bounces with a light disco punk energy. In truth, of course, there has always been far more to Bill Corgan et al than the alternative rock tag often implies, and even right back to their formative years the crew were toying with expectations.

2018's Rick Rubin-produced Shine And Oh So Bright... album may have emphasised their rock roots, but now we're given their creative juices in full flow on their poppiest outing yet, partly inspired by the roster of seminal Chicago label Wax Trax!, the US home to Underworld and The KLF among others. Needless to say, though, the Pumpkins make it sound like they've lived here all along; testament to their unwavering dedication to trying new ideas and knack at pulling them off.