Is there a more underrated artist in US rock than Eels main man Mark Everett, aka E? Now one of the American underground’s leading figures for more than 20 years, he has released a string of albums on which the quality control has remained exceptionally high.

Recorded after an extended hiatus, which incorporated the now-standard personal upheaval (this time: divorce, remarriage, and the birth of his son), The Deconstruction is another vintage effort. Whether playing around with avant-garde atmospherics (‘Rusty Pipes’, ‘Premonition’) or getting into the sort of art-rock groove that would do Radiohead proud (‘Bone Dry’, ‘You Are The Shining Light’), Everett remains an artist who delights the ears while tugging at the heart-strings.

Though the band will no doubt remain a cult concern, expect the faithful to once again get enthusiastically high – or should that be low? – on E.

Record label: Pias
Listen to: Bone Dry
Rating: 8/10