Decidedly left-of-centre alt-rock might be Stephen Malkmus’ modus operandi, but even his most die-hard fans have conceded that 2008’s, jam-heavy Real Emotional Trash was more ramshackle than usual. Now, whether its producer/fellow-indie-legend Beck who’s reigned in those more esoteric urges, or whether it’s Malkmus’ recent stint touring with a reformed Pavement that’s sharpened his pop focus, we can’t say. What we can vouch for is that his highly melodic fifth long player is his catchiest offering in years, whilst still offering enough skewed sonics and quirky couplets to satisfy the faithful. Mirror Traffic ist rad!