As one of the premier exponents of melancholia, Vini Reilly is more qualified than most at expressing genuine grief. The latest in a long line of albums for Durutti Column is partly inspired by the recent death of his mother. Always a master of understatement, Reilly weaves his virtuoso guitar magic through a clutch of laments in a manner that is never cloying or even depressing. Indeed 'Somewhere' and 'Remember' rank alongside his best work from his fertile early 80's period; Reilly's rather frail vocal technique seeming more appropriate than ever. The David Lynch film 'Mulholland Drive' is sampled on the lovely 'Spanish Lament' and 'Vigil' uses a childrens' chant to get its haunting message across. Disappointingly the second half of the album gives way to experimentation such as the noodlesome 'Blue' and the over-busy arrangements of 'No More Hurt' and 'Spasmic Fairy' so it's something of a relief when Reilly breaks from his diversions to allow a guest female singer to take over for 'Drinking Time'. At least the closing 'Goodbye' is a touching reminder of Reilly's craft; a beguiling guitar figure accompanied by a dawn chorus and concluded by an answering machine message from his mother. Somehow being sad always suited this fellow.