The Return of Scritti Politti: "White Bread, Black Beer"

Ever since the release of 1999's Anomie & Bonhomie, things had been a mite quiet on the Scritti front, but then things started to happen. Green Gartside played a couple of gigs under the name Double G and The Traitorous 3 (the first time he'd ventured on stage in about 25 years), and rumours were flying around about a new album, due to be released in April on Rough Trade, the label they'd started off on, back in 1982.

And on May 29th, White Bread, Black Beer was released to the world, and to outstanding critical acclaim. A much more stripped-down affair, the album was written, produced and recorded by Green in his own home in Peckham. Gone were the hip-hop influences (intrusions?) of Anhomie & Bonhomie, to be replaced by a more acoustic (guitars!), more laid-back feel. Songs with titles like "The Boom Boom Bap" feel like they should have the verve and boisterousness of Provision's "Boom! There She Was", but it's actually a beautiful, mellow song - albeit with a trademark Scritti booming bassline.

The album has a stealth-like quality, sneaking up on you. At first listen, fans of Cupid and Psyche '85 (Best Album in the World, Ever) may not like it's subdued quality, but then the sheer beauty of Green's androgynous vocals, looped and harmonized will take hold of you, seducing you and drawing you in. Green's trademark turn of phrase is still present: "Coming with the force of an illocution", "small paper packages washed down with gin" and "You bet your Petrococadollar"

It's been a long time coming, but it was worth it. Better than Cupid and Psyche '85? Not quite, but it comes a definite second - as another reviewer said, this is the album Provision should have been, after its heralding single "Oh Patti (Don't Feel Sorry For Loverboy)". In short, this is a truly beautiful album, and well worth a listen. Get it here now!