While their 2008 comeback release Days Run Away hinted at former glory, She Paints Words in Red confirms it - and more! This is a fantastic record with great hooks, fabulous songwriting and no filler. The album (and it is a proper "album") captures perfectly the synergy and interplay between Bickers and Chadwick better than ever here.

It's the subtleties that make this an exceptional album - the unexpected CODA's, the bass line on 'Holy River' (possibly the best cut), the simplicity of 'Lost in the Blues,' and the re-worked 'PKR' that sounds like this way the way it was always meant to sound.

Like all great albums, this grows on you with every listen and sucks you in. Sure, it won't get much airplay, but those of us who do get to enjoy it will cherish this one for years. And, if nothing else, let's hope this spurs HOL on to make another album while they're in the mood? John Peel would have been a happy man with this.

And did you know their eponymous Creation Records debut album was cited as one of the best albums of 1988 (November 2012’s 3-CD deluxe edition has enjoyed rave reviews and impressive sales)? Well, you do now!

1. A BABY GOT BACK ON ITS FEET; 2. HEMINGWAY; 3. SHE PAINTS WORDS IN RED; 4. PKR; 5. LOST IN THE BLUES; 6. LOW BLACK CLOUDS; 7. MONEY MAN; 8. TROUBLE IN MIND; 9. NEVER AGAIN; 10. SUNSHINE OUT OF THE RAIN; 11. HOLY RIVER and 12. EYE DREAM.

CD Purchase Link