FEW things are certain in life, but Maximo Park’s high-octane sound was always one. Until now. The Geordie three-piece has embarked on a new musical path, slower and much more electronic.

Thankfully for Maximo diehards, it’s deliciously gloomy. Brain Cells sets the tone, low on octaves before sweeping into a two-line chorus that burrows firmly into the brain. There’s no Apply Some Pressure, Limasol or National Health here. There isn’t a track that will have you rushing to iTunes in a stampede to download. But they attach themselves slowly until you can’t remember a time where you hadn’t listened to them.

Much of this continues to be because of Paul Smith’s heavily accented vocals, which are so distinctive they are unlikely to be a snug fit in any other project. Under the radar, though, and without his trademark shout, Smith’s lyrics now portray a man who has matured – and whose music gets better and better.