ROCK'N'ROLL survivors are endlessly fascinating. While some stellar talents burn up in this febrile atmosphere, others toil out of sight before being rediscovered.

Perrett is one of the languish-in-obscurity types, the former frontman of The Only Ones, a loved cult band that fell apart in the early Eighties. Perrett then lost most of that decade to addiction before his slow climb-back began. The fact that he played with The Libertines shows the regard he is held in by the more cracked quarters of the music firmament.

For his first new music in 20 years, Perrett is now supported by his two sons on lead guitar and bass as How The West Was Won shrugs off the time that has passed with ease. Perrett’s style and approach recalls Lloyd Cole’s New York years, a fertile period inspired by Lou Reed, and Perrett’s wry words are both memorable and enjoyably self-obsessed. This is a record about being Peter Perrett. Something In My Brain, for example, is a look back to lost days of excess and, like much of this record, has a lingering appeal.

The title track is only a note or two away from becoming Sweet Jane – and none the worse for it – and the set is unashamedly rock in attitude, combining love songs to his wife of nearly 50 years (on Epic Story) with more seemly riling at the state of the modern world. Aside from contemporary nods (or rather lingering stares) in the direction of Kim Kardashian, producer Chris Kimsey has wisely steered his charge towards the timeless and built a sound that will outlast its creator.

With a voice that has barely changed since his heyday, the 65-year-old Perrett sounds invigorated and the melodies and wisdom reveal his underused talent brimming over.