Graham Coxson
Album: A + E
Label: Parlophone
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.grahamcoxson.co.uk

Fresh from Blur's Brits-sanctioned storming of the music industry's top table, it's pleasing to find guitarist Graham Coxon making music on his own that's as awkward, cantankerous and wilful as the man himself. He'd already released three solo albums by the time he was jettisoned from the good ship Blur in 2002. With music ranging from punkish blues statements to 60s freakbeat and folk, the records are well worth getting familiar with, as are the subsequent The Kiss of the Morning, Happiness In Magazine and Love Travels At Illegal Speeds.

Pretty much lost in the hoopla surrounding Blur's reunion in 2009, Coxon's delightfully folky album The Spinning Top demonstrated his conceptual abilities and again reminded listeners just how good a guitarist he is, regardless of whether or not he's plugged in.

But none of the above will have prepared followers for A+E. Closer in spirit to Blur's 13 album, this is Coxon giving full vent to his fondness for avant-pop, motorik chugs and synth-styled post-punk. He's roped in Ben Hillier to produce and plays all the instruments himself, flitting between klangy Joy Division homages and ostinato expositions via Wire, Stockhausen and Neu!

What'll It Take (to make you people dance) recalls Depeche Mode, while Bah Singer follows a similar path to that currently being trod by equally obdurate musical adventurist Paul Weller. Running for Your Life is more standard Coxon fare (whatever that may be), but Seven Naked Valleys sounds like it would have once got him sacked from Blur.

Much is made of Damon Albarn's flights of sonic fancy, but never write off his old mate's ability to shake up expectations and rattle cages - not least his own.

Nick Churchill
www.thegranvillechambers.co.uk