The Go-Betweens: The Friends Of Rachel Worth (Circus)

A HA - I saw you do that double-take. No, your eyes haven~t deceived you: this is indeed the new album from legendary Aussie band The Go-Betweens, their first since 16 Lover's Lane way back in 1988. Since the band's break-up, songwriters Robert Forster and Grant McLennan have pursued solo careers, but have also played together on the odd occasion. On a world tour last year, the pair decided they may as well record as The Go-Betweens, so once again the twin songwriting talents of Forster and McLennan share the same CD. Time has mellowed both men's approach, so Magic In Here, Spirit, He Lives My Life and Orpheus Beach have a slow, smouldering feel about them. Quicker-paced songs such as The Clock, German Farmhouse and Heart And Home have more of a Go-Betweens aroma about them, but thankfully the only hint of nostalgia is in the wry, foam flecked Surfing Magazines. - Kevin Courtney