The Fall

Ersatz GB Cherry Red Records***

After 35 years, there aren’t too many new musical directions left for Mark E Smith to pursue. Even so, the curmudgeonly Mancunian’s revolving-door policy on band members means that the differences in most albums are subtle but not inaudible. The 29th Fall album is unlikely to convert the sceptics, but these 10 thrashy tracks will keep fans happy.

Smith's garbled growl still emits the odd lyrical gem, be it related to "Danish rock TV" or disliking Snow Patrol. Musically, Ersatz GBflits from tightly wound punk ( Cosmos 7), melodic grooves ( Taking Off) and raw, beefy riffs ( Greenway), while Elena Poulou's gentle vocals on Happi Songdiffuses some of the unsettled menace liberally sprinkled throughout. It may not be groundbreaking, but this album indubitably continues The Fall's recent run of satisfying output.

See visi.com/fall

Download tracks:Taking Off, Happi Song