6/10

When The Streets released their 2011 LP 'Computers And Blues', it was widely known as the final release from one of the UK's most beloved groups. Mike Skinner's innovative project had produced some of the most distinctive and groundbreaking material this country had seen in decades, but it felt like the time was right to end it given his own personal ambitions for the future. But after worming his way back onto the scene with a dabbling of singles and the highly-praised mixtape 'None of Us Are Getting Out of This Life Alive' in 2020, they now return with their sixth studio album 'The Darker The Shadow The Brighter The Light', a record that sees them reinvent themselves for a modern era.

While many will always have the memories of The Streets being an adventurous offshoot of the fledgling garage scene of the time, their later work was always more expressive and individual, something they explore again throughout 'The Darker The Shadow The Brighter The Light'. And although this new collection seems to explore more pensive and emotive moments than the traditional club bangers of yesteryear, it still makes for a wildly enjoyable listen, filled with plenty of unique and explorative aesthetics from start to finish.

While the idea of returning to something you left behind twelve years ago can sometimes be a little unwavering, 'The Darker The Shadow The Brighter The Light' still manages to continue The Streets legacy in confident form. It may not be the project it once was, but still has plenty of fresh and enticing ideas at every turn.