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Kula Shaker needs little introduction to anyone who remembers the height of Britpop. Lead by the enigmatic Crispian Mills, they experimented with more concepts and sounds than the majority of other bands of the time. Their debut album K is a classic record which has kept their name alive. After a gap of 8 years they have finally produced their third album, which I couldn't wait to hear!

Even with the wait for this album things haven't changed much. They are still experimenting, doing things others bands wouldn't even try. K, as many will remember was influenced with Indian sounds, Strangefolk, the sound of the 60's are a very prominent influence.

Great Dictator could quite easily be straight from the back catalogue of The Who, but Kula Shaker brings it into something that is uniquely theirs. This album is a journey, it takes rock and ballads switching effortlessly between the two. Shadowlands is a powerful, yet quietly understated, ballad. Mills has reached a new peak, and the time out of the limelight has added depth to his performances. The bonus track CB Operator is a real oddity though, in which Crispian Mills becomes Mick Jagger! Yes, you read that correctly! Kula Shaker turning into The Rolling Stones. It works, somehow, but it is walking a very thin line and may be one experiment too far.

Kula Shaker are back and they haven't disappointed. The gap between albums won't harm them at all. Nothing as queer as folk, and nothing stranger than Crispian Mills' mind, but he has pulled it off.

Rating 7/10 - Strangefolk, well thats them alright, but we already knew that!

Reviewed by Darren