Who mentioned dirty but clean?

Midway through Lamp Lit Prose, there's a moment that perfectly captures David Longstreth's approach to songwriting.

He enlists rising R'n'B star Amber Mark to help out with the vocals on 'I Feel Energy', and there's some staccato violin, a twanging guitar motif and a riotous brass section over deep, rumbling 808s, before the chorus surges in. 'I feel energy!' it runs, and it might stand as a mantra for this entire, manic pop album. For sure, it has many fine moments, but consumed in one sitting, it can feel slightly overwrought.

Though last year's DP album - the outfit's eighth - was self-titled, it was in truth a solo Longstreth record after an acrimonious split with his partner and fellow-Dirty Projector Amber Coffman. Thankfully, Lamp Lit Prose sees the return of his collaborative spirit. Lorely Rodriguez of Empress Of guests on 'Zombie Conqueror', a Ziggy Stardust-style number viewed through a math-rock filter. On the flip side, Rostam and Robin Pecknold's appearances in simple backing vocal roles on 'You're The One' represent a waste of talent reminiscent of Kanye bringing Andre 3000 in to sing one line on '30 Hours'. However, 'What Is The Time', a contemporary R'n'B jam pitch-shifted up, is a winner.

"She's a break-thru," Longstreth declares enthusiastically, over a bright guitar hook on the lead single. Is he referring to a new relationship or this album? In the end, itÕs a line that could apply equally to both.

Lamp Lit Prose is out now

Rating: 7/10