So much has changed since Leftfield last had a record out, 1999’s ‘Rhythm And Stealth’. And yet ‘Alternative Light Source’ – apart from the fact it sees Neil Barnes on his own since the departure of Paul Daley – is comfortingly similar to ‘Leftism’. In no way is that a bad thing, for one of the Nineties’ most influential dance music albums still sounds like it was written last week – and in the case of ‘Alternative Light Source’ a number of the tracks look forward to future glories. Jason Williamson of Sleaford Mods guests on the excellent ‘Head And Shoulders’, while Poliça’s Channy Leaneagh and TV on the Radio’s Tunde Adebimpe are also good choices. ‘Universal Everything’ and ‘Little Fish’ are the out and out stormers, while ‘Storm’s End’ and ‘Light Source’ show Barnes still has Leftfield’s descriptive power at his elbows. Let’s hope this sees him hit his creative stride, for Leftfield is very far from dead and buried! (Ben Hogwood) 5 out of 5
