A long time ago in a galaxy far away, Simple Minds were not only up there with U2 but a short nose ahead, Jim Kerr and the boys filling stadiums and pounding out anthems like Waterfront into the lighter illuminated night. Falling from chart grace, they soldiered on, although after covers album Neon Lights one wondered if minds had been lost along with band members. But the jokes must stop, as Black And White is an astounding return to form.

Core members Kerr and Charlie Burchill have gone back to the basics of the Simple Minds sound and written a lean nine-song album heavy on anthems that contains no fat and no filler. Stay Visible sets the tone, with Burchill carving out a stringing guitar melody that unleashes a re-invigorated Kerr. Home, Stranger and Underneath The Ice continue an ascent that is almost Apollo-like in its vertical momemtum.

Jeweller and Kiss The Ground are also fine examples of Kerr's ability to put Bono in the shade as a writer of image, evoking lyrical Pandora. All told a perfect rock album and perfect material to be belted out live in venues ranging from medium-sized clubs to lighter-illuminated stadiums.

Ian Shirley
Record Collector
5/5