FORGET the caricature of Shaun Ryder in 24 Hour Party People.

Move past the image of a 90s icon who succumbed to excess.

Because this new, revitalised, cleaner living version of the Happy Mondays frontman is back on top form for Black Grape’s first album in two decades.

This genre smashing collection of 12 songs fizzles with fresh energy and genuine sense of chemistry between Ryder and his collaborator Kermit who were said to have worked ‘eyeball to eyeball’ in the studio for an intense four weeks.

Recorded with producer Youth, who has worked with the likes of Guns N’ Roses and Pink Floyd, one of the best tracks is the opener, Everything You Know Is Wrong.

Like a cross between a song and stream of consciousness it is a seething attack on the US presidency in Ryder’s inimitable style.

It also feels gloriously improvised with insults to Donald Trump, questions and unfinished sentences thrown in with a scatter gun approach – but it somehow works brilliantly.

Elsewhere there are a kaleidoscope of styles and influences with highlights being the funky Set The Grass On Fire and the laid back vibes of Money Burns, with its warning against greed.

Other memorable tracks are String Theory which blurs the line between indie and dance and Shame with its old school horn section and funky riffs.

To see Ryder find his creative groove again is a delight and if he can also inject this kind of energy into a new Happy Mondays record fans will be very happy.