He’s Nut done yet

Unlike the economy, Paolo Nutini is all about growth. The extraordinary Scottish singersongwriter is a musical shapeshifter who can’t seem to put a foot wrong.

It’s been eight long years since his last studio album, Caustic Love, but the wait has been worth it.

This epic 16-track, 70-minute beauty spans German Krautrock, 60s pop, synth rock and classic soul. It is broad ranging, confident and packed with surprises – not least a co-writing credit for Quentin Tarantino on the dramatic opener Afterneath (because it samples his dialogue from 1993 movie True Romance).

The song builds ominously, with a haunting, almost tribal feel. But this is total misdirection as it’s nothing like the numbers that follow.

Children Of The Stars is a folky, foot-tapping love song with traces of Joni Mitchell in its DNA and a strong refrain of “We’re all just children of the stars, street girl, street boy, you are not to blame”.

Petrified In Love is upbeat 60s-influenced pop that skirts close to The Byrds, while soulful gem Through The Echoes is a beautifully crafted showcase for Nutini’s heart-warming vocals.

Elsewhere, those Krautrock vibes surface on the dark, driving Lose It, which sounds like genre pioneers Can crossed with Jonathan Richman.

Acid Eyes – about a lost love – is the kind of song that seems destined to enthral festival crowds. It’s so addictively repetitive, it’s almost impossible not to start singing along to the “Into your acid eyes” refrain.

It has been 16 years since Paisley-born Nutini’s debut album went five-times platinum, powered by his biggest UK hit Last Request.

He was 19 then and had swerved the family fish and chips business to pursue his dream.

Now 35, Paolo’s restless creativity and musical ambition still shine through.

It’s not time to head back to the deep-fat fryer just yet.