The evolution of Paul Weller continues. In a career spanning 39 years, the Modfather is back with his first new record since 2012’s adventurous, Sonik Kicks. Weller is one of the most original artists of his generation and Saturn’s Pattern is proof the man can still make quality and relevant music.

Easily the most ambitious track on the album, ‘White Sky’ really sums up the experimentation that defines this record. Layering jazz cymbals with lush orchestration (looped backwards), crunching guitars and most notably a gospel choir, the song never sounds overwrought. Luckily for the listener, the rest of the album doesn’t try to outdo this opening statement.

‘Going My Way’ is a deceptively simple piano ballad that gathers momentum as it goes on. ‘Pick it up’ features Weller’s underrated guitar prowess (both on the electric and the acoustic) in a bed of stuttered percussion and vocal harmonies. As varied stylistically as sonically, the album offers plenty of light and shade between songs.

‘I’m Where I Should Be’ has an atmospheric/dreamy vibe, which leads straight into the dirty blues of ‘In the Car’ (featuring slide guitar for good measure). ‘These City Streets’ continues the laidback vibe with stretched out guitar lines (maybe stretching out for too long at 8 minutes) whereas ‘(I’m a) Roadrunner’ has a bluesy, Rolling Stones feel to it, circa Exile on Main Street. ‘Dusk Til Dawn’ closes out the album on a mellow note, with an acoustic lament.

The production values are slick, if a little over processed at times, but the music stands tall overall. Weller has utilised all the technology at his disposal including distorted vocals, electronic sound effects and synthesisers. The instrumentation is beautifully balanced too, never hitting you too hard in the face or becoming too predictable either. An album borne of tireless work, Saturn’s Pattern feels like a labour of love for Weller and the team behind him.

Despite all the elements Weller has thrown into the mix, Saturn’s Pattern is an accessible album. As much for casual music fans as it is for fans of Paul Weller himself.

7/10