THE former King of US Indie Rock in The Pixies, Frank Black is back with a mournful, brooding record extolling heartache and the perils of women.

Since he teamed up with his spiritual backing group, Black has been preoccupied with issues of right versus wrong. This time he picks at memories of the loves he has found and lost.

This Old Heartache, Goodbye Lorraine and Nadine are the standouts of 13 tracks of darkness, tears and depression. But morose is fine with talent to match and Black has lost none of his ability to catch the imagination with rock'n'roll rhythm and a catchy guitar.

The Pixies may be gone, but Black clearly has a future in self-purging. Another great record.

Updated: 09:17 Thursday, September 11, 2003