Paul Weller's 11th solo album is appropriately tiled. Sonik Kicks is just that, a spirited collection of sprawling tracks featuring Weller's trademark vocals and song-writing knack, but infused with a warm electro sensibility which embosses the feel of the album. Despite being so deep into his recording career, Weller clearly still cares about progressing his craft.
Album opener 'Green' serves as a fitting introductory notice for the album with pulsing synth and pumping drums reminding us that Weller isn't content with being a novelty act and is very much performing under his own name, rather than simply 'the lead singer from The Jam' and this leads him to pursue avenues up to this point unexplored throughout Weller's extensive discography. Songs like the aforementioned 'Green', 'That Dangerous Age' and 'When Your Garden's Overgrown' all fizz even if, just occasionally, the album runs into dangerous territory but Weller, the old head that he is, is able to rein in the sound just whenever you think it might be getting away from him.
Sonik Kicks is unlikely to recruit any new followers to Weller's camp, but those who are already firmly entrenched within are sure to revel in the vitality of the album. Weller and Simon Dine, his producer, have served up an album which proves that Weller is still very much a relevant artist and long may this career renaissance continue.