For someone with such an impressive back-catalogue, as musician and producer (Chad produced both the Women records), Chad Vangaalen remains relatively low-key. He also happens to be an impressive illustrator and animator, designing, animating and creating his own artwork and videos.

On ‘Diaper Island’, the Canadian musician has put together his finest creation yet, dropping many of the musical paths previously explored to concentrate on spiky, alt-rock guitars, edgier production and a set of melodic tunes. ‘Burning Photographs’ is a rush of endless rhythm, circling riffs and garage-blurred production; and it’s also one of the best tunes of the year. ‘Heavy Stones’ demonstrates a slower side – its like a Gram Parsons track played by Pavement – with its ambling electric guitar, and Vangaalen’s loving croons performed in harmony across the top.

There’s noise here too, as on the distorted wash of ‘Can You Believe it’, which has the musician wailing and abrasively bending any obvious song hooks out of place. It’s a testament to the artist that he can effortlessly flow from the caustic to the melancholic. Tracks like ‘Wandering Spirits’ has the singer crooning with heavy honesty, as the drums gently sway and crash. The track even briefly mutates into electronica and Jazz – yet it all works – seamlessly.

And as ‘Replace Me’ clashes Sonic Youth distorted guitar play with a sense of urgency and rolling rhythm, it feels as though the musician has successfully resurrected the best of Nineties Alt-rock, while also stirring in his own production values, to make something he can call his own. Thankfully we get a piece of it too, and it’s called ‘Diaper Island’.

-Harper Lawson-