Back in the mid-90s, the pastoral Wild Wood was the album that rescued Paul Weller's floundering solo career. In an attempt to recapture those past glories, it seems that the Modfather has gone back to nature again. As Is Now finds him in an unusually mellow mood, ruminating on the joys of country life and even paying a solemn tribute to the god of Pan. The prevailingly folky mood is varied by some dreamy jazz and the odd piece of taut guitar-rock, just to remind you that he hasn't forgotten his roots. If you think Weller has become a boring old fart in recent years, then this won't change your opinion. But those with an open mind will find much to enjoy in these warm, gentle vignettes, and will feel glad that the once angry young man has found at least a measure of contentedness.
