Lloyd Cole rose to fame with The Commotions, whose 1984 album Rattlesnakes is among the classic albums of its era. Cole later embarked on a solo career, which has resulted in a multifaceted and interesting discography. Last year’s ‘On Pain’ was Lloyd’s twelfth album as a solo artist.

Cole’s hits such as Perfect Skin and Lost Weekend are part of the indie rock canon in terms of catchiness and punchiness but, examined as a whole and below the surface, the songwriter’s overall output creates an interesting trajectory that also includes bold leaps into new territory. In addition to straightforward rock, Cole has explored, among other things, the worlds of country, electronic music and synth pop.

At the heart of it all is a soulfulness that reminds us that music, at its best, is not just a pleasure to listen to but also something that can be felt.