Robyn Hitchcock’s 25th solo studio album, ‘The Confuser’, is praised as an inventive and energetic return to new original material after nearly four years. The review argues that, despite his long career, Hitchcock remains creatively vital, blending surreal lyrics, melodic agility and stylistic range in ways that continue to influence modern art rock.

The album moves between brisk, playful tracks such as ‘I Am This Thing’ and more reflective songs including ‘Breathless’ and ‘Ghost in Sunlight’. Its arrangements draw on several musical eras, with references to The Stone Roses, Jimi Hendrix and 1960s pop, while recurring themes of breakdown and catastrophe emerge in songs such as ‘Monday For Me’ and ‘Wasted’. Clash awarded the record 8/10.