As musical reunions go, that of soul singer David McAlmont and ex-Suede guitarist Bernard Butler must rank as one of the most unexpected for some time. The pair split after just one album back in 1995, amid studio rows, bitter press interviews and wild accusations of homophobia on McAlmont's part. The passing of time, however (not to mention their lacklustre solo careers), has healed the wounds - and the result is another epic album of soaring Motown-style pop, infused by the duo's palpable determination to make up for lost time. Butler's energetic fretwork brews up a mighty musical storm that reminds you just what Suede have lost since his departure, while McAlmont's euphoric vocals have just the right measure of flamboyancy needed to do justice to these majestic, faintly camp songs. The quality control slips just a little towards the end - but by then these maverick talents have done more than enough to convince you that they're fully back in business. Assuming they really have managed to put their differences behind them, a glittering future beckons.
