7/10

Since leaving the heydays of his time in Supergrass firmly in the past after starting his solo career, Gaz Coombes has always looked to branch out as a artist of confident songwriting without looking to pander to the commercial, radio-friendly ears. As a result, his solo material has been far more subdued than his early work, but on his third full-length we see him take on a more laid-back direction that sees him break his own mould once again.

From the start, 'World's Strongest Man' isn't one to make a big song and dance about itself. We are guided lovingly into his arms on the record's title-track and don't really get let go for the entire release. Each song is built around this warming and comforting attitude that allows us to really feel all the energy in his songwriting and allows Coombes to display a whole new side to his persona, one of a more calming and serene nature.

Fans of his earlier solo work may not get this straight away, but given time, you will find yourself slowly warming to this new album. From someone who always seemed to have that edge of fun and excitement running through him, he can certainly grab our attention with the exact opposite too.