SINCE returning out of the blue earlier this year through a handwritten note posted online, Jamie T releases Carry On The Grudge; his first album since 2009’s Kings & Queens.

A bold, brave return, Carry On The Grudge shows growth musically and lyrically. Opener ‘Limits Lie’ shows talent through snappy lines likes like “I’m the weather, the rain’s my tears.”

Urgent tracks including recent single ‘Zombie’ and ‘Rabbit Hole’ recall the signature style that sent Jamie T to the top of the charts and festival bills. Whilst mellow and smouldering tracks like ‘Don’t You Find’ draw hip-hop influences and modern sounds much like The Gorillaz created on the Demon Days record. It’s a haunting track that reeks of emotion.

And the emotion stays throughout this powerful LP: ‘Love Is Only A Heartbeat Away’ is full of heart showing a softer side. The old influences of punk, folk and reggae are all still here, but reshaped into something new with the likes of ‘Mary Lee’.

Could ‘Zombie’ be the best track on this record? There’s a strong contender with the stomping rock n roll influenced ‘Trouble’. Its bold and has balls and a completely different sound and style for Jamie T.

Rock n roll returns with ‘Peter’, amplified electric guitars mixed with punk-influenced vocals and a hip-hop tempo.

With only a handful of tracks you can really bounce around at a gig to on this record, Jamie T’s depth and thirst for music is really what resonates through. Not only has he grown up, his fans have too.

Following on from four intimate comeback gigs which sold out in minutes, including a show in Glasgow’s Art School, Jamie T will tour the country from October, playing Glasgow’s Barrowlands on 10th November and finishing up in Alexandra Palace in London on 14th November.