If I told you that the ninth studio album from Primal Scream boasted collaborations with Lovefoxxx of CSS, Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age and folk legend Linda Thompson, you’d probably have some idea of how diverse the album is.

‘Beautiful Future’ is an eclectic mix of Philly soul, dark electro, accelerated rock ‘n’ roll and pure British pop. In other words, it’s the sound of Primal Scream at their playful best.

Produced by Bjorn Yttling (of Peter, Bjorn and John) and Paul Epworth (of Bloc Party), it’s an album that unfolds at a cracking pace and revels in its ability to keep listeners on their toes. Opening salvo and title track ‘Beautiful Future’ sets the standard in effortless fashion, fizzing its way through some upbeat lyricism, handclap beats, chiming melodies and an emphatic chorus that really does feel like a party starter.

It’s immediately followed by the high energy rock ‘n’ roll mix that is former single ‘Can’t Go Back’, a euphoric mix of kinetic drum beats and scuzzy guitar riffs that really is invigorating. Bobby Gillespie’s vocals provide the perfect accompaniment, imbuing it with very definite Primal Scream sensibilities, but also a wider appeal.

The other standout tracks are the ‘I Love To Hurt’ (‘You Love To Be Hurt’), a top-notch collaboration with CSS’ Lovefoxxx that drops a lively electro pulse, before slowing things down for the chilled out ‘Over & Over’, a blissful collaboration with Linda Thompson that marks a worthwhile cover version of the Fleetwood Mac original. It’s a nice piece of comedown music.

Make sure you catch them in the Olympia in November!