With only two previous albums in the last twenty years, no one could accuse the Blue Orchids of overdoing it. Granted, in between mainman Martin Bramah has experienced stints in The Fall amongst other projects. 'Mystic Bud' is - to all intents and purposes - a solo album and it's very good too; a mature album from a mature artist who still sounds as relevant as ever. Moreover, in the cases of the brilliant 'Shining Brow', ' The Secret Of The Sacred Orchid' and 'Bemused', a wonderful, folky warmth is exuded, helped in no small part by Charlotte Bill's flute playing (an integral part of this album's sound). Not that Bramah has exorcised his past as the ramshackle Fall-like charm of 'Freak Show' and 'Black Peg's Son' ably demonstrate. Meanwhile the cover of The Archies' bubblegum classic 'Sugar Sugar' is performed in characteristically deadpan style. Largely bereft of the drowsy moments which blighted past work - whisper it softly - but this is probably Bramah's best offering yet.