In the weird world of Wevie Stonder, things are never straightforward. The four-piece collective headed up by Al Boorman have returned with their first album in 16 years and one reason it took so long is that they couldnt think of a title.

The group are renowned for their outlandish electronics and humorous vocal performances, with a series of treasured releases on Manchesters eminent Skam Records, and their latest album Sure Beats Living ventures into unknown realms. Introducing a host of new characters, tall tales and bizarre scenarios to a musical backdrop as varied as it is striking, the record darts between ambient tranquility, strange soundtracks, bass-heavy beats and emotive R&B.

Opener Thats Magic features a magician talking us through a convoluted magic trick, to a mysterious synth theme that a celebrity conjurer might use to help the pyramids disappear. Its probably one of the only pieces of music to draw influences from Paul Daniels. Carpet Squares is a hefty slab of squirming machine bass, acid squidges and clanking industrial drums, its samples extolling the virtues of fitting comfortable flooring, with a voiceover recorded on a Canadian golf course. Vanja & Slavcho tells the odd story of twins who have an extraordinary ability to a bustle of spiralling arpeggios and comedic sound effects, while Tiktaalik has a glam rock beat, guitar twangs, wild synth runs and dance music drum rolls that build to nowhere, plus processed dolphin noises and a vocal about evolution.

Then theres Piccolos Travels, a spellbinding mix of classical strings and… is that a malfunctioning Clanger?

Album Titles lists rejected names for the record to hilarious effect, with outlandish blips, accordion riffs and bubbling percussion setting the scene, The 38th Parallel is a wonky slab of electronica, while Push It has everything from rock guitar interjections to explosions and birdsong. If Customer Services imagines the bewildering experience of dealing with a sentient automated phone call, then the following Nothing To Write Home About is a waltz-time organ piece with a nostalgic, bittersweet air. Ready? lists practically every genre under the sun and gives you a burst of it, from drill to country & western, hardcore to Miami bass, and the final track, The Void, is an AutoTune-laced R&B track with a deep, emotional core.

Thats the genius of Wevie Stonder: their ability to make you laugh one minute, and the next transport you to an atmospheric reverie.

1.That’s Magic
2.Carpet Squares
3.Vanja & Slavcho
4.Tiktaalik
5.Piccolo’s Travels
6.Album Titles
7.The 38th Parallel
8.Push It
9.Customer Services
10.Nothing To Write Home About
11.Ready?
12.The Void