Ian McCulloch: Slideling

By RUSSELL BAILLIE

(Herald rating: * * *)

If some bits of Coldplay's last album sounded like they'd dusted off some old Echo and the Bunnymen albums, then at least they're showing their appreciation in more charitable ways — Chris Martin and guitarist Jonny Buckland are among the ring-ins on this, the third solo album from former E&TB frontman Ian McCulloch.

There are resounding, er, echoes of his late great 80s Britrock outfit briefly reunited a few years back.

That's clearest on the opening track Love In Veins with its vibrant guitars and big string sweep, while the closing Stake Your Claim also manages to come on a little New Order-ish, and he lifts a bit of Walk on the Wild Side for Baby Hold On.

But mostly this is McCulloch in fine voice and heavy-heart, at his rueful best on ballads like Playgrounds and City Parks and the Martin/Buckland-assisted Sliding and Arthur. Old Bunny fans are directed this way, so too are curious Coldplay followers.
Label: Cooking Vinyl/Shock