Stranglers, Norfolk Coast

Previous years studio releases from ageing new wave rockers, The Stranglers, have failed to live up to expectations. The group had struggled to capture the tunesmithery and punky sneer of previous years but have now produced an album which finally bucks that trend.

'Norfolk Coast' is a return to the party for an oddball group, shunned by the music establishment for being "too different" and ignored by the punks for being "too old". The usual philosophy being that if it can't be pigeon-holed then it ain't worth talking about, but hopefully justice will prevail following this exceptional release from the group.

From the supercharged atmospheric title track to the last, 'Norfolk Coast' is a breezy trip through suicide, alienation in the city, the occult and second comings, all set to that classic Stranglers sound of rasping bass, barmy telecaster twangs and bubbling, hypnotic keyboards. The haunting album cover conjures up images of forbidden medieval rituals along the Norfolk Coast at dawn resplendant with the Stranglers in traditional black garb, staring sinisterly into camera. All in all, a pretty complimentary cover shot, indicative of the music contained within.

In this album, all those great Stranglers hallmarks are indulged once again, shifted along by their tongue-in-cheek sardonic lead singer of 14 years, Paul Roberts. This album is the one which should see many detractors of the band eat their scornful words following Hugh Cornwell's abrupt departure way back in the summer of 1990 after 16 years service.

'Norfolk Coast' deserves more recognition that it's likely to get from the music media but being perhaps the only real mavericks remaining in an industry spoiled by hype and gimmickery, The Stranglers can take comfort in knowing they finally scored the last minute clincher before the full time whistle was blown. Dig out your Doc Martens and pogo to the rejuvenated sound of The Stranglers as it's been a long time coming.