6/10

It has been 12 years since Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan last released a solo album. His 2005 effort 'TheFutureEmbrace' saw the singer reach moderate success, but nothing too special to warrant a return to his solo guise. But now working under the name William Patrick Corgan, the leading man has looked to reinvent himself on his long-awaited follow-up, delivering a record that shows his more sombre side.

While Corgan has been no stranger to the more gloomy side of songwriting, this new full-length shares his weather-beaten misdemeanour in spades. Offering up one furrowed track after another, 'Ogilala' seems to show him moving through a more thought-provoking side to his character. While the record is certainly a far-cry from his earlier work, this new direction has allowed him to explore a more personal version of himself, delivering a gentle yet welcoming release in the process.

It may not be the glorious return we were hoping for, but it still delivers on the core presence that all Smashing Pumpkins fans would have expected. Flattening in places, but overall a solid release with some notable highlights.