Apples For Isaak

 

A few days ago, Echo & The Bunnymen released a new album after more than a decade. My expectations were high, as this band had been one of my favourites from days long gone, both in terms of their songs and their album cover design. In that respect, the cover didn’t bode well. The songs are no longer imbued with the sombre mood of days gone by and are, in a positive sense, more cheerful. Ian MacCulloch’s voice has matured, but is still captivating enough to enhance a song, and Will Sergeant hasn’t lost his touch on the guitar. I wasn’t expecting a new masterpiece, but I was rewarded with songs that, in some cases, are reminiscent of David Bowie’s early sound, whilst in others clearly bear the band’s signature style. All in all, a more than respectable late-career album from a legend.