Come Ahead [Red Vinyl]

Overview

After working with Jehnny Beth on Utopian Ashes and publishing his autobiography, Tenement Kid, Bobby Gillespie found himself at an artistic crossroads of sorts. He began writing a batch of songs by himself, tapping into his political angst and frustration, and working through his personal history as well. As he progressed, he wasn't sure if they were songs for Primal Scream or his first solo album. At some point, he decided they were going to be for the next Scream album, and after teaming with producer David Holmes, he turned those songs into Come Ahead, the band's 12th album. It's their first to be recorded this way -- usually members of the band, especially Andrew Innes, would come up with the musical ideas first -- and further solidifies the concept that Gillespie is Primal Scream. The origin story behind the album's creation is interesting enough, but the real proof is how it sounds and whether the songs land. As with most Primal Scream albums, they jump from genre to genre with blind confidence. Holmes and Gillespie tackle disco on a couple of tracks -- "Ready to Go Home" and "Innocent Money" -- adding lavish gospel choir vocal backing, and on the latter, a full string section. They drop in some cop-show funk that comes complete with congas and flutes on "Love Insurrection"; get grungy and Bad Seeds-y on "Love Ain't Enough"; delve into late-period New Order territory ("Deep Dark Waters"); spread their wings on the dubby dance track "The Centre Cannot Hold"; and on "False Flags," they attempt a trad rock reboot of the spacier side of Screamadelica. It's an impressive show of musicianship, and each track feels plotted out as fully as any espionage novel. ~ Tim Sendra

Product Details

Release Date:	06/27/2025
Label:	Bmg Int'l
UPC:	4099964059236