There has always been a whiff of contrivance about BRMC. But with their new album they have returned to the militant rock’n’roll sneer of their debut and, on Took Out a Loan, Berlin and Weapon of Choice, recaptured the defiance of the early single Whatever Happened to My Rock’n’Roll (Punk Song).

Even so, the trio still leave plenty of sticks around with which to be beaten. The influence of Jesus and Mary Chain and Beggars Banquet-era Stones looms large, but they are hardly alone in being derivative these days. Instead, the group should be credited with focusing their angst and putting aside their differences long enough to write their strongest song yet — the scathing Not What You Wanted.

(Drop the Gun/Island)

Editor's choice

• U2 at Nou Camp Stadium, Barcelona
• The 50 Best Movie Villains
• The 15 golden rules of theatre etiquette