TIM BOOTH : BONE Q REVIEW

Unexpected but welcome return of former James singer 

James' 2001 breakup found Tim Booth plotting a new career as a writer and actor. Having dabbled (with some success) in both, the now Brighton-based culture vulture has rediscovered his musical appetite, hooking up with locals Lee Baker and Kevin Kerrigan to fashion Bone in the former's bedroom. An eclectic affair, it's an album that lurches from electronic pop (Redneck) to Achtung Baby-esque neo-glam struts (Love Hard) and yearning James-like ballads (Down to the Sea), but coheres thanks to Booth's familiar arching croon and lyrics that effortlessly marry ecology, Hare Krishna and hard sex