AT LEAST he's never predictable. Since making his name with the madcap, hip-hop-inspired approach of his Mellow Gold and Odelay albums, the prodigious Beck Hansen has dabbled with stripped down, mellow psychedelia (the excellent Mutations) and naff Prince pastiche (Midnite Vultures).

The aptly-named Sea Change sees him reinvent himself again, as a broken-hearted acoustic singer-songwriter. But this is not Mutations Part Two; Sea Change is a bleak, troubled and impenetrable record, all lonesome country laments flecked with echoing electric slide guitar.

Working with Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich was in some ways inspired - his big, cinematic production suits the songs, particularly the gorgeous string arrangements, which bring Neil Young and Mercury Rev to mind - but on the other hand, if the songs were performed raw, they might have more impact.

As it is, even after repeated listens, there's little that stands out from the general downbeat mood of tastefully-arranged misery. It's an intriguing new side to the enigmatic Beck - his most personal album - and it's refreshing to hear him ditch the clever-clever irony of old, but as a record, sadly, strictly one for the hardened fans.

Updated: 08:57 Thursday, September 26, 2002