Album Review: Johnny Marr 'Call the Comet'

Anyone with even the most basic understanding of indie-rock will be aware of the impact Johnny Marr has had on the genre. His work with The Smiths alone remains essential listening - a triumph in itself considering Morrissey's attempts to sully their legacy - and when you throw in records with Modest Mouse, The Cribs and more, there's no mistaking Marr's indelible impact on music.

Hearteningly, the guitar hero is still hungry for more. Over the past five years, he's built a reputation as a formidable solo artist. Call The Comet is his third album in that period, and in borrowing a little from his past, he's forged a glorious new future. Opening with the rousing 'Rise', driven by a knock-out vocal from Marr himself, the high standard is maintained with 'Tracers'.

Boasting some 'Sympathy For The Devil'-style hooting and a Banshees-like atmosphere, it's a gem. Elsewhere, the throbbing goth/trance mash-up 'Actor Attractor' confirms he's got plenty of tricks left up his immaculately-tailored sleeve. 'Hi Hello' - a distant cousin of 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out' - is alt-pop at its best. Saluté.

Out today! Rating: 8/10