Known for his extensive sabbaticals, Doctor Syntax is only the former Orange Juice principle's fifth solo album in 13 years, three years in the making, it's his first LP since 1997's I'm Not Following You and comes a full seven years after his breakthrough single "A Girl Like You". With the name inspired by an early 19th century satirical book The Tour of Doctor Syntax, this finely crafted collection of alt-pop gems is dripping with soul and comes loaded with Collins' characteristic wry witticisms. Enjoying his snug self-imposed status of indie's elder statesman to the full, Collins' cunning asides occasionally burst into overt ridicule; "The Beatles", an acerbic "arch-riposte" to the Fab Four leads the way, while "Back to the Backroom" effortlessly belittles Cool Britannia. With the ubiquitous jangly guitars of his back catalogue all but extinct, Doctor Syntax is dressed with suave abandon, lined with sugary summer soul and driven by a polished mechanical rhythmic heart that beats with sleek sophistication. Although there's nothing as mainstream as "A Girl Like You", enchanting pop nuggets such as "Never Felt Like This" and "Johnny Teardrop" could see Collins being thrown back into the charts. Refreshing, honest and entertaining, it's been worth the wait.--Christopher Barrett