Andy Bell, former singer of synth pop duo Erasure, only gets more wonderful with time. This new solo album follows hot on the tottering heels of his glorious Torsten project, which was both a triumphant theatrical performance and soulful soundtrack.

The opening track ‘Breaking Thru the Interstellar’ may wrongfoot the listener into thinking it will be pure pop throughout, with its hands in the air, easy-breezy house vibes. Essentially, though, it weaves together biting social commentary, the diamond pop of his past, and the aforementioned contemporary theatrical leanings. It’s bold and beautiful. His voice is incredible – like the finest divas, its maturation is hard-won, rich and imperious. “Get thee behind me, charlatan/get thee behind me, sycophant,” he demands on the juddering electronica of ‘Godspell’.

Indeed, despite the goosebump-inducing finality, grandeur and graciousness of closing track ‘Thank You’ it is, in the main, a well manicured middle finger to obstacles, enemies and life issues, from someone who has no more fucks left to give.

‘For Today’ may sound like effortless disco, likewise ‘Dance For Mercy’ which shares sonic DNA with Sheila B Devotion’s classic ‘Spacer,’ but the duet with Debbie Harry, ‘Heart’s A Liar’ is a mid-tempo kiss-off to an ex which is more bitter than sweet. And it’s here than Bell is most effective, defiant and powerful while strobed by glitter balls. Others get more complacent with age, Bell is absolutely crushing it.