[Routine Builder]

So thoughts, hopefully my own and not recycling others:

Critical Thinking: What a wonderfully bizarre start to an album. An alternative universe where Nick becomes the frontman of PiL. Lyrically it's an odd one, the title doesn't particularly make sense as the lyric seems to rail against sloganeering than lack of critical thinking. Is the inclusion of Speak Yr Truth an indication of self reflection or an example of having a total lack of it.

Decline and Fall: For better and worse, it is very much a Manic Street Preachers lead single. It's an ear worm and continued bouncing around my head weeks after not listening to it. The band have written this song many times before and this is probably the weakest version.

Brushstrokes and Reunion: Propulsive and explosive. So much going that at times feels like a bag of cats with the guitars, drums, synths and vocals fighting to breathe. Perhaps less than the sum of its parts.

Hiding in Plain Sight: Nicky's fragility and sincerity used to devastating effect here.

People Ruin Paintings: Really love the chorus and general vibe but the guitar lick this song pivots on sounds so stock that I internally quiver when I turn it on.

Dear Stephen: A breezey tune with cringey lyrics. Perhaps would have been better as a letter than a song that dances around the elephant in the room.

Being Baptised: Introducing James Dean Bradfield the guitar maestro. Some nice composition which shows the benefit of not overcrowding the songscape. Feels like a continuation of the songwriting James started on Even in Exile.

My Brave Friend: Where James sings a late 80's ballad. A bit plodding but with some nice tones.

Out of Time Revival: Sort of sounds like it belongs to an 80's exercise video. A bit of quiet, a bit loud, perhaps a bit too simplistic to land a lasting punch.

Deleted Scenes: A semi-underwhelming b-side masquerading as album filler.

Late Day Peaks: Sister track to being baptised, songs that feel like a warm bubble bath rich in texture.

ONEMANMILTIA: The one where the Manic Street Preachers discover mid-00's indie synth pop. Could pass as a cover of a Fight Like Apes song. Full of colour and purpose, leaving the stage on a highlight.

General Thoughts: I don't know what I think of this album. The 4-song-8-month promotion period has robbed the album of some of its impact. There's nothing particularly offensive but other than the title track, there's a lack of focus and often more for more's sake. There's probably the solid bones here for two albums: Tracks 1,2,3, 4, 12 forming the basis for a 10 track album Loaded with hits; Tracks 5, 7, 8, 9, 11 forming the basis for a cult favourite relaxed pace critical darling that sells 500 copies.