Andrew Weatherall needs no introduction – but we should give him one all the same. One of electronic music’s leading lights, he has applied magic studio dust to albums from the likes of Primal Scream, while producing his own darkly shaded gems with Sabres of Paradise and Two Lone Swordsmen. For him to revert to a solo artist capacity is a big thing – and ‘Convenanza’ justifies the switch. There is nothing here that will surprise you – the sounds are heavily in thrall to The Clash, a bit of Krautrock and The Specials – but Weatherall has more than enough musical charisma to harness those influences and make something that is recognisably his. ‘Kicking The River’ shows what he’s capable of, while ‘Frankfurt Advice’ and ‘The Last Walk’ are properly groove-laden, and brilliantly done. There is a softer side too, the closing song ‘Ghosts Again’ welling up with unexpected nostalgia as though dealing with the departure of a close friend. This is great stuff from Weatherall, who is sounding as fresh as ever, back in his stride to heartwarming effect.
5 out of 5
Reviewed by Ben Hogwood
