Named after a town in Normandy where the new album was created in a self-built studio the ‘Grass are clearly on a different path to the well worn trail of yore. Opener ‘Tales of Endurance’ is a deft sleight of hand wrong footing die-hard fans from the offset as its acoustic country groove gives way to Mariachi trumpets. Is this really a Supergrass record? Yes, and it’s brilliant.

 

A more mature approach to song writing has given the album a laid back feel and takes the listener to a whole host of different destinations than previously visited on the Supergrass Express.

 

Next stop Russia! ‘St Petersburg’ is a great introduction to their more eclectic sound including a refrain doused in the sound of the Soviets, ‘Sad Girl’ has the spirit of John Lennon crooning over ‘Sergeant Pepper’, whereas ‘Roxy’ with its strings and squealing proggy guitars could sit snugly alongside ‘The Ultimate Yes’. ‘Coffee In The Pot’ is a short meander through a crazy spaghetti western whilst Cossack dancing and title track ‘Road To Rouen’ is the soundtrack of a Seventies cop show.

 

While not providing the immediacy of previous Supergrass releases this is without a doubt a fine addition to their catalogue, providing something for new and old fans alike. If there is one gripe, it’s that it’s way too short. At only nine tracks long (and one of those lasts about thirty seconds) you could be forgiven for wanting slightly more for your money, but then again, where’s the crime in leaving the crowd wanting more?