Ever since their inception in 2005,the Southend-On-Sea art rockers have been a conundrum wrapped in a riddle. After spending the guts of three years flirting with side projects, they finally return with a record that reminds us that, just when we thought we had all the answers when it came to The Horrors, they change the questions. Dubbed “a risk” by frontman Faris Badwan, V proves to be their most ambitious, exciting and accessible record to date.

A far cry from the punk snarl of their early days, the album embraces a more expansive and progressive style, as the band successfully reinvent themselves. Taking Tubeway Army, Depeche Mode and New Order as touchstones, euphoric ballad ‘Weighed Down’ hits all the right notes, while ‘Hologram’ is a gleefully gloomy, Banshees-flecked delight, with a gloriously gritty bass sound. And if there’s any justice in the world, the alt.pop juggernaut ‘World Below’ will be a monster hit.

Economical in length, but certainly not in ideas, V is another impressive addition to The Horrors’ already mighty catalogue.

Out September 22.

8/10