7/10

Having been active since the early 90s, Spiritualized have seen it all in terms of musical taste and consumption. In their heyday, the band were known for huge, grand arrangements that featured choirs of guest musicians to help bring their out-of-this-world vision to life. But over time as resources in the industry become depleted, creating their unique and sometimes overzealous sound just isn't possible anymore, so the group now look to new technology to bring out the grandeur on their long-awaited eighth studio album 'And Nothing Hurt'.

The title 'And Nothing Hurt' is a precursor to understanding the themes of this record. With a near 30-year career in the industry, frontman Jason Pierce has seen more than most and it is those personal stories that make up the bulk of this new release, as he muses over relationships, friendships, addiction and the ever-changing landscape they have found themselves in. But what is refreshing is just how uplifting this new record is. While others may have expected them to have run out of steam at this point, the band seem reinvigorated within their songwriting, delivering some truly anthemic cuts along the way.

It may not live up to the standards of their older material, but 'And Nothing Hurt' stands as a confident and fulfilling listen. Despite the knock backs over the conditions they now have to produce music in, Spiritualized have smiled all the way through it and delivered a new collection of songs that were definitely worth the six year wait.