KEY POINTS:
Herald rating: * * * *
When Supergrass first emerged 15 years ago, they were the clowns of Britpop. Young and experimental, the group stood in the shadow of heavyweights Oasis and Blur.
Six albums later, the band is getting the last laugh. Diamond Hoo Ha marks a return to form for Supergrass, delivering a solid line up of stompingly good tracks. Fans of the group's last effort, Road to Rouen, may view the new record as a step backwards, but those who preferred the rollicking punk-driven rock of old will be well chuffed with the release.
Opening with the bass-ridden Diamond Hoo Ha Man, the album goes from strength to strength, with the best offerings in the final third.
Ghost of a Friend is a wee slice of musical magic, sounding like a classic Stones' track with vocals by Dylan. You can't help but sing along and will find yourself reaching for the repeat button without even realising.
Whisky and Green Tea is a rough and ready melange of military drumming, Chinese strings and screaming saxophones - a curious track that proves the band's experimental days aren't yet behind them. But it's a risk that pays off, shining through as one of the album's standout tracks.
By the time you reach the epic closer, Butterfly, you'll be itching to go head back to the beginning and hear it all again.
Label: Parlophone/EMI Records
Verdict: A rollicking return to form for the Brit-poppers that goes from strength to strength.
