Mission of Burma

Mission Of Burma have pulled off a substantial coup in The Obliterati, simultaneously underlining their own relevance and that of punk's, as anything other than a stylist's tool. Their second album after reforming in 2002 -- near-on 20 years after their initial split -- is an incredibly intense, focused and controlled affair, with the one-two combo of "13" and "Man In Decline" at its core.

Disappointed by Roxy Music, disquieted by Nancy Reagan's head ("Man in Decline," "1001 Pleasant Dreams"). (Grade - **)