It would seem Nick Cave is incapable of releasing a sub-standard record. The album is book-ended by two balls-out rock ’n’ rollers awash with screaming guitars and a thunderous rhythm-section. The conventional components of the garage band sit alongside bouzouki and electric mandolin to produce an intense, sweaty claustrophobia. Second track ‘Worm Tamer’ is both epic and sublime, synthesising marching drums with backing vocals reminiscent of The Beatles. The prehistoric soundscape of lead single ‘Heathen Child’ is the album’s mind-blowing centrepiece: sinister lyrics comment on the illusiveness of civilization whilst a primal bass line holds together the diffuse instrumentation. Grinderman II reinvents, recycles and pastiches, undoubtedly making it one of the most refreshing records of the year: a compelling, essential listen.