The rhythm section of Howe and Watt-Roy is truly a force of nature. Feelgood guitarist on 2014’s Going Back Home – Johnson’s critically acclaimed collaboration with Roger Daltry. This legendary producer last collaborated with the ex-Dr. The band’s unique sonic signature has been well served by Dave Eringa at the helm. Recorded at the famous Rockfield Studios in Wales, the trio sound powerfully dynamic with grooves coming swift and fast throughout each of the offering’s twelve tracks. The chemistry between Wilko, Norman Watt-Roy (bass) and Dylan Howe (drums) is a thing to behold live and it’s been captured beautifully on the album. There’s a freshness to this album’s delivery that is incongruous with what one would expect to hear from a musical veteran’s long awaiting return. Detailing the changing relationship with an ex-lover during different periods in his life, Wilko’s distinctive Telecaster attack is anchored by clever wordplay and a snarling vocal delivery.

But would his remarkable recovery from a terminal diagnosis, not to mention the long wait for fresh songs, be at the expense of the music? My worries were thankfully put to the side as soon as Beauty, the opening track from Blow Your Mind, made its authoritative presence known to my speakers.

I was initially excited and worried in equal measure about this national treasure’s first offering of new material in some three decades. Andy Duke reviews the Canvey Island native’s Blow Your Mind. But he’s back with a new album that sounds like his life depends on it.

Wilko johnson book