THE second collaborative album from James Mercer and Danger Mouse is a welcome alternative to the mainstream music scene, while still being accessible enough for the casual listener.

From its opening Eighties synth on Perfect World, which starts by trying to out-Vangelis Vangelis, before moving into something from the soundtrack to Drive or Miami Vice, to the bouncier After The Disco or Bee Gees-esque vocals on Holding On For Life, there’s a through-line of sombre but not depressing music underlying the album.

It’s hard to name a standout single or anthem, with each track being different, but The Angel And The Fool and The Remains Of Rock And Roll would not be out of place at a camp-side singalong at one of this year’s festivals.

At once deliciously retro but painfully modern and stylish, After The Disco is at times relaxing, downbeat, almost dance music, then flange-guitar Pigeon Detective b-side (Lazy Wonderland), and not just good enough to keep you guessing where it will go next, but good enough to keep you listening to find out more.