The ex-Duran Duran front man, Stephen Duffy, releases his sixth album as The Lilac Time, aptly titled, Lilac6. Since the release of their self-titled album in 1987, The Lilac Time has produced a kind of folky pop that is quintessentially English. Duffy is now in his 40s as this collection of songs reveals. "Middle Age is All the Rage" is the opening line of the album's first track "Dance Out of the Shadows", a whimsical ballad with a simple melody strummed on an acoustic guitar. The tempo changes for "This Morning" as Duffy recollects his teenage angst for the new generation. The overall impression is that Duffy has been listening to a lot of country music of late, evident on "Come Home Everyone", the pedal steel guitar enhancing the sentimental reminiscence of the song. Long-time collaborators Steven Page, Tyler Stewart and Kevin Hearne of The Barenaked Ladies, have been enrolled into the ranks, bringing with them their pop quirkiness which works very well. The trademark instrumental jigs of Nick Duffy are here in the form of "Jupe Lengue" and "Junen Buffalo" which are as fun and refreshing as ever and complete this very pleasing package of songs. Lilac 6 is probably the band's most consistent album since 1990s And Love For All. --Jamie Clark