The Blow Monkeys

★★★★ Journey To You BLOW MONKEY MUSIC. CD/DL/LP

Celebrating 40 years with strong, inviting album. Written in what Dr Robert calls “a frenzy”, this seventh longplayer since the group reformed in 2007 might just be their best. It’s definitely a match for their classic ’80s period, with Dr Robert’s soulful croon uplifting in tone throughout. The band – the original line-up of saxist Neville Henry and bassist Mick Anker with former Galliano drummer Crispin Taylor replacing Tony Kiley – are a unifying force and there’s an effortlessness to their funk groove. Dr Robert namechecks Bacharach & David as a songwriting influence on the album and there are ear worm melodies and emotional drama galore. “Forgive me for the fool I’ve been,” he begs on centrepiece More Than A Miracle. Laden with luxuriant strings and horns and a glitter ball production created in Dr Robert’s home studio in southern Andalucía, how could we not?