7/10

Having spent the last few years embroiled in a multitude of side-projects and collaborations, Thurston Moore now returns to his solo guise to release his fifth studio album 'Rock n Roll Consciousness'. His last full-length 'The Best Day' proved to be the most commercially successful of all his solo material, but unlike that release, 'Rock n Roll Consciousness' is far more strung-out and atmospheric than anything we are used to hearing from him.

With only five tracks to its name, ranging from six to twelve minutes in length, this new work is certainly built for endurance. Yet while the dynamics of the record's material may not be conventional, Moore's competent songwriting shines through on each single, creating a fully immersive piece of work that never really finds itself losing energy. Filled with harmonious guitar licks and a laid-back vibe throughout, 'Rock n Roll Consciousness' proves to be one of his most interesting and enjoyable records to date.

While fans of his older material may be a little surprised at his new direction, it certainly manages to hold its own in creating an almost odyssey-like pace, lengthy but never rushed. And it is this flow that keeps what could have been a very difficult listen from becoming one.