The former Arab Strap man reinvigorates himself with upbeat electro-pop. In 2009, Malcolm Middleton wondered if he’d done all he could in his solo guise. He’s now decided there’s another idea to explore: skilfully turning his eye for detail, ear for a tune and melancholic heart to spritely electronic music. The love-drunk, bubbling “You & I” suggests New Order’s Balearic period, while “Information in the Voice” even ventures into Auto-Tuned trap and R&B. But while “Brackets” may be built on stuttering synth-pop, it’s an assuring reminder that Middleton’s still a master of warm, gently melodic sorrow.