MOBY

Always Centered At Night (Mute)

This year sees Moby embark on an arena tour – with profits pledged to be given to animal charities – to mark 25 years since the release of his biggest-selling album, Play. He’s not just looking back at past glories, though, as there’s a new album: Always Centred At Night, a guest-heavy affair with vocalists chosen for vocal prowess over celebrity clout.

Here, then, we have late poet and activist Benjamin Zephaniah, who can be heard in full-flight mode on the galvanising rallying cry Where Is Your Pride? Sudanese singer-songwriter Gaidaa’s vocals on Transit should rightly introduce her to a new audience, and soul singer Lady Blackbird does a mighty fine job on Dark Days.

As for the music, Always Centred At Night sounds fresh as a daisy: emotive and edgy-sounding, a dark electro-meets-r’n’b pulse runs through it, concluding with the beautifully cinematic Ache For. As a whole, an ardent filler-free listening experience for both the feet and the soul.

words DAVID NOBAKHT