Much has been said about this album, released on Monday, not least by some of the bands own disgruntled members, in particular Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, who have been some of it’s most scathing critics. The fact of the matter is that this, their 5th studio album proper, is as much of an indication of RZA’s musical leanings as any record that preceeded it and that, in our opinion, is a good thing.

Whilst what may have gone is what Raekwon refers to as “punch someone’s face in music”, what has appeared in it’s place is a funky mellow vibe which is what may have been the reason why the RZA has been referred to as a “Hip-Hop Hippy” by his own crew. It’s fine by us however and don’t think that just because the beats are often mellow that the raw Staten Island funk has been washed out altogether because there are tracks here that are as loud and fresh as those on their classic debut.

The highlight is most certainly the track which is most likely to have agrieved those members of the group who remain fiercely loyal to their roots, ‘My Heart Gently Weeps’ is a beautiful moment which harks back to Eminem’s ‘Stan’ in terms of potential crossover enormity. The track, based on Harrison’s classic Beatles number features his own son on guitar with John Frusciante on lead and a vocal from Erykah Badu is a truly ensamble piece which sticks in your head and begs for repeat listens.

The Wu are back on top form, let’s just hope that they manage to stick together long enough to enjoy it!