After the outstanding, free-form psychedelic rock of ‘More Light’, Primal Scream have chosen to veer off in a completely different direction once again for their 11th studio album, ‘Chaosmosis’, which is a familiar trait in a near 35 year career.
Largely recorded in Sweden alongside producer Björn Yttling, most of the songs here were laid down by the usual combination of singer Bobby Gillespie and guitarist Andrew Innes. This time, the duo had pop songs in their sights. Consequently, there are subtle nods to the past here but in the main it’s a collection that will sit uniquely in their burgeoning back catalogue.
Of its singles, the first to appear was Where The Light Gets In. Featuring Sky Ferreira on joint vocals with Gillespie, the song is undoubtedly a massive career highlight, skipping through call and response verses that lead to a stunning dance-inflected, synth-backed chorus.
Collaborations with Haim don’t reach the same heights, though. Album opener Trippin’ On Your Love is like a long lost ‘90s rave cut, one built around an instantly satisfying chorus that may become irritating with repeated plays. 100% Or Nothing, similarly, boasts an initially infectious hook that will grate all too soon.
Elsewhere, the reflective I Can Change utilises a cheesy synth line while conveying its addiction-riddled plea for help, while the abrupt When The Blackout Meets The Fallout sounds like the seismic aftermath of Kowalski meeting Swastika Eyes. Beginning like an echo of the Rolling Stones’ Street Fighting Man, Golden Rope is a heavier, near apocalyptic effort that is likely to satisfy those more in touch with the band’s rockier side.
Closing track Autumn In Paradise recaptures the pop-rock brief with its bubbling synth canvas, angelic backing vocals and catchy melodies, but comfortably soaring to vital Primal Scream track status is (Feeling Like A) Demon Again, a dark, electro-beat driven gem that recalls Beloved.
With such diversity bulging from their past, ‘Chaosmosis’ manages to encapsulate a number of different styles in its sub-40 minute existence. It’s quite possibly Primal Scream’s most eclectic album and while it struggles to hang together as a collection, individually the tracks should resonate with their diverse fanbase at different points.
Primal Scream Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Tue March 29 2016 - ABERDEEN Beach Ballroom
Wed March 30 2016 - GLASGOW O2 ABC
Fri April 01 2016 - LONDON Palladium
Sat April 02 2016 - MANCHESTER Albert Hall
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