Since being unceremoniously dumped by former manager Sharon Osborne, Billy Corgan hasn't done too badly for himself really. A stint in New Order must have helped; for once Corgan himself was in awe of his heroes. All indications are that he has now cheered up considerably, so much so you can almost picture him smiling whilst singing the hopeful 'Lyric' that ushers in the arrival of his new band Zwan. But then again 'Mary Star Of The Sea' sounds like the follow-up to the Pumpkins' farewell album, proving that band survivors Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin were the two most integral parts of this hugely successful machine. 'Settle Down' and 'Ride A Black Swan' see them bestride the worlds of hard rock and British indie in customary manner. Meanwhile 'Endless Summer' is like a breath of fresh air thanks to its arrangement of gently strummed guitars, pretty keyboard textures and vocal repeats. As is often the case the album is on the long side and overblown, pompous efforts like the title track opus makes listening hard-going. Nevertheless fans of Corgan's work will be used to that and at least their hero is enjoying himself once more.