December: 18 albums you need to hear this month

Justice 'Woman' (Ed Banger Records)

When it comes to duos, Busy P must have some sort of magic radar that picks out pairings that will go on to cause worldwide uproar. Daft Punk, Cassius and Justice have all found their way to the top with Pedro’s backing, with the latter now releasing their third album after an agonising five-year wait. Their no-holds-barred approach to music-making won them global plaudits, but will they ever make an album like 2007’s ‘Cross’ again?

If ‘Woman’ is anything to go by then we’re not sure – but that doesn’t mean the quality has been sacrificed. The new album is undeniably disco-orientated and a distinct step away from their electro-tendencies of times gone by, but the crisp, clean production is ever-present and you can’t ignore that. Lead single ‘Safe And Sound’ is the suitably anthemic opener, with ‘Pleasure’ following that premise with dainty riffs and sultry vocals. The first half of the album goes down a Breakbot-esque route but, while we’re not adverse to it, we can’t help but miss that Justice ruggedness.

‘Chorus’ is slightly more sinister, its looping builds and majestic payoffs really getting the blood pumping, while ‘Randy’ starts off moody but quickly reveals itself to be a floaty ballad. ‘Heavy Metal’ and ‘Close Call’ are pretty exceptional, though, and in a live show we can imagine them acting as spellbinding interludes sandwiched between the fire from previous albums. ‘Woman’ is a really good record and an accomplished, confident body of work, but it may leave those hankering for something with more venom feeling a little impatient. Justice have matured in their sound, but we’ve still got that young mosher inside us waiting to be unleashed – and they want to fist pump. Jeremy Abbott

8/10