Gaz Coombes
World's Strongest Man

The second artistic life of Gaz Coombes seems to have found a definitive dimension in his excellent solo career.

It has been ten years since the last studio effort from Supergrass ("Diamond Hoo Haa" from 2008, although the band had an album in the works in 2010 that was never released, "Release The Drones", influenced by krautrock and drone music), and the new (and third) album "World’s Strongest Man" was awaited with some curiosity, given the (well-deserved) Mercury Prize nomination of the previous (and beautiful) "Matador".

Produced by Coombes himself along with trusted Ian Davenport, the new work by the ex-Supergrass leader is another excellent album, which picks up where the previous record left off and allows Coombes to add another small piece in the growth process of his solo adventure.

The very appealing lead single "Deep Pockets", between Supergrass and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, is the liveliest and fastest track of a work that often draws from the best of Radiohead (those of "OK Computer" in "Shit (I’ve Done It Again)", the more frenetic ones of "In Rainbows" in "Vanishing Act"), but also shows a good deal of personality in episodes like the title track, a Jack White-style number enriched by subtle electronic pulses, and the splendid and funky "Walk The Walk".

"Slow Motion Life" and the closing "Weird Dreams" keep the attention high despite the rhythms dropping sharply and the atmosphere becoming more blurred and confused, "Wounded Egos" magnificently raises the bar in a pop rock blender filled with synths and percussive outbursts. There's always room for a welcome tribute to Bowie, with the synth folk of the delightful "Oxygen Mask".

Coombes continues swiftly on his path, letting the music speak and little else. All we can do is appreciate and eagerly await the next move of this constantly growing singer-songwriter, who has proven to be strong enough to proudly continue on his own.

Best track: Wounded Egos