Primal Scream’s twelfth studio album, Come Ahead, released today marks their first full-length project since 2016’s Chaosmosis. Produced by David Holmes, who previously collaborated with the band on 2013’s More Light, this album showcases a blend of funk, soul, and rock elements, reflecting both personal introspection and broader societal themes.
The album opens with “Ready to Go Home,” a track that marries a sophisticated glitterball shuffle to lyrics about facing the toughest of mid-life realities – mortality. “Love Insurrection,” the lead single, is propelled by a funky guitar riff and serves as a commentary on societal divisions and the need for unity. “Heal Yourself” offers a redemptive hymn of gratitude to a supportive lover, its words of unflinching self-analysis carrying a palpable confessional charge. Critics have noted the album’s eclecticism and the band’s return to form. Clash Magazine described Come Ahead as “another high in a career full of them,” highlighting the band’s vitality and righteous indignation. Similarly, The Arts Desk praised the album, stating that Primal Scream have “finally escaped the doldrums and hit their sweet spot again.”
Come Ahead presents a mix of energetic funk-infused tracks and introspective ballads, reflecting Primal Scream’s willingness to explore new sonic territories while addressing both personal and societal themes. The album’s reception has been mixed, with some critics lauding it as a return to form and others expressing reservations about its execution.
Rating: 8/10 – GREAT Album