The result of a transatlantic collaboration with longtime fan Chris Braide – songwriter/producer for Britney Spears and Beyoncé, among others – Marc Almond’s first set of original material in five years is an impressive affair. Highlights include exuberant pop songs, notably the carefree Pleasure’s Wherever You Are and When the Comet Comes, a daft but enjoyable cosmos-themed duet with Beth Ditto. But Almond is at his best on the compelling torch songs that have long been his stock in trade. Winter Sun reflects on dwindling romance; The Pain of Never is swooningly melancholic. More, please.