Simple Minds

Walk Between Words BMG

We didn’t forget about them Celebrating their 40th birthday in style, the Scottish sultans of synth have crafted a succinct 16th effort, coming in at just eight tracks yet with each more than capable of fitting into an established live set. Bookended by Charlie Burchill’s lustrous, sustained notes and the infectious beat of the eminently hummable Magic and shimmering soundscapes of Sense Of

Discovery, frontman Jim Kerr also delivers some of his catchiest vocal melodies to date. Far from an act capitalising on the current nostalgic trends, the rumbling postpunk bass of Summer, the expressive solo of Barrowland Star and intergalactic sheen of Utopia are hallmarks of a band who have spent decades polishing their craft to an enviable finish. [AR] Standout track: Magic For fans of: Depeche Mode, U2