It is a joyous, emboldened return to form and one that reminds us of what a treasure Edwyn Collins is.
It's a powerful record not for any mawkish sentimentality, but for the strength of the band - who work through those disparate genres with ease
It's a celebration of life by a craftsman intelligent enough to know how to pitch it perfectly.
It's a great record that stands with his best work from the past.
If there’s one message which Understated declares proudly, it’s that Collins isn’t done yet. A big, gorgeous old hug of an album.
Understated by name, but certainly not by nature, the record is a sweet mix of old-school Northern soul schematics, wistful ballads and songs that contain many layers to be unlocked with repeat listens.
Strip away any unnecessary contextualisation and the record stands up proudly and defiantly on its own two feet.
There's a sense of fight here, of Collins drawing musical strength from his hell-and-back experiences.
#72 | / | Rough Trade |