NEW ALBUMS
SUPERSTATE
Superstate Z2 UNIVERSE
7/10
Graphic novel adventure for the Blur guitarist
Graham Coxon’s past two albums were soundtracks, but here he’s written 15 songs for 15 stories in a graphic novel, whose concept – the escape to heaven from a dying planet – was his own. Any soundtrack must be able to stand independently of its parent creation and Superstate can. At 74 minutes it’s overlong, but remains buoyant thanks to a blend of mutant disco/soul, indie funk and wonky pop that avoids retro pastiche, though its moody moments owe much to UNKLE. It’s at its idiosyncratic best on “Lily”, which suggests Kate Bush singing Chinese karaoke in outer space.