7/10

The evolution of Elvis Costello has been a steady one over the last few decades. After first establishing himself with a string of fresh and exciting punk-inspired outings in his formative years, the frontman has spent the better part of the last thirty years experimenting with new and interesting ideas that have only added layers to his complex persona in recent times. And after seemingly never not looking for adventurous avenues to follow, he returns with his thirty-first studio album 'Hey Clockface', a record that looks to expose him in a whole new light once again.

Usually acts in Elvis Costello's shoes never have to try to hard. They can always fall back on their proven formulas and appease their fanbase with a few nods to their earlier years; but this artist has never looked back, only forward. From the start, 'Hey Clockface' looks to present itself as a driven and eclectic mix of concepts and directions, something that prevents it from going stale and gives us a whole new perspective on him. Dark and pulsing, bright and joyous, and everything in-between, this new full-length is a heady blend of attitudes that sees him return with gusto.

While firmly in his sixties these days, Elvis Costello has proven himself to be one of this country's most prized exports, and these latter offerings are more proof of that. While its adventurous intent does create the odd duffer here and there, there is still plenty to love and admire from him here.