Primal Scream: Gospel, Funk and Grief in New Release (Review)

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

‘Come Ahead‘ is the latest effort by Scottish band Primal Scream. Their twelfth studio album provides listeners with one disc containing 11 tracks and a second disc with 5 of the original tracks reworked.

Formed in 1982, with a few lineup changes along the way, the band has made a name for themselves with their specific sound. The most notable of their releases is the 1991 LP ‘Screamadelica‘, which is one of the albums I associate the most with the sounds of the nineties.

This album doesn’t break the mould of what I was anticipating. There’s political undertones scattered across the lyrics. What’s more, there are gospel choirs and wider world music influences. If that isn’t enough, there are nods to funk, soul, and acid jazz. To me, this record is quintessential Primal Scream and isn’t much different from their early nineties classics such as break-out hit ‘Movin’ on Up‘.

A Personal Album

Bobby Gillespie is still able to hold his own as a powerful frontman. The 63-year-old is noted as the primary songwriter and this project really feels like his own. Being the first record since the death of their keyboardist, Martin Duffy, could mean a shift in dynamics for the band. Yet it can remain grounded in the sound they’re known for.

This record is full of emotion. Gillespie’s dad appears on the cover in a retro photo which makes for a great image. His recent passing is a theme that seems to haunt the tone of the record right from the first track, ‘Ready To Go Home’. For me, this track is a standout. It’s a creative and upbeat way to channel such a heavy theme. The 1970’s funk-inspired sound is uplifting and starts the LP on a high note.

The music video didn’t impress me. It feels like a bit of a cheap attempt to be artistic and seems somewhat outdated to me. Having said that, I can definitely see the direction it’s attempting to go in and it does suit the vibes of the release. ‘Ready To Go Home’ does need something colourful and vibrant to accompany it so they definitely got that aspect spot on.

Variety of Sounds

‘Melancholy Man‘ is another track that stood out to me. The chorus and slow tempo somewhat remind me of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. The variety of instruments explored in this song, as well as the album on a wider scale, is admirable and pays off. Furthermore, I found myself focusing on different aspects of the piece as it went on. There’s an interesting narrative in the lyricism which pairs nicely with the gospel inspiration. To me, this especially stands out on the slower pieces. I also can’t move on without acknowledging the saxophone solo, it breaks up the verses so well.

Every time I listen to this LP I can’t help but feel jolted by the variety. There’s so much to unpack in terms of inspiration pulled from different genres and different areas of the world. Each song is individualistic and has its own creative vision. The roots of this album are in funk and acid jazz, the addition of powerful guitar solos, and experimental vocals. I found myself appreciating this release more as an art piece than anything else.

Thoughts and Feelings

As a listener, I just can’t immerse myself. From the opening guitar riff of ‘Love Ain’t Enough’ I expected this to be a song that I’d really enjoy. I’m able to appreciate it and hear so much that impresses me although I’m still not inherently a big fan. I’m almost disappointed in myself for not being able to take more away from the LP. When listening to ‘Innocent Money’ I felt bombarded by sounds and I could feel the chorus getting stuck in my head. But that doesn’t mean I’m in a rush to hear it again.

There are elements of this record that I appreciate. However, it’s more an album I can respect for what it does rather than enjoy. It may be personal preference because it reminded me too much of their previous work. Nothing really surprised me and I feel like that’s what I was hoping for. Unfortunately, I can’t say I will be in a rush to listen to ‘Come Ahead’ again anytime soon. There’s heaps to explore and a multitude of sounds on offer. Hopefully, it finds its audience and not everyone has a similar listening journey to me.

Rating: 6/10

The Come Ahead tour begins in Bristol on 31st March. You can find Primal Scream on Instagram, X, and TikTok. More music reviews are available here.

About The Author