★★☆

Not content with taking shots at Hollywood’s finest at the Golden Globes, Ricky Gervais and his alter ego David Brent are back with their debut record – the soundtrack to the upcoming filmLife On The Road.

Gervais, the former singer-songwriter of the unheralded ’80s synthpop band Seona Dancing, might in fact be belatedly living the rock star life. He’s going to play two sold-out gigs in London in September.

The album itself is surprisingly well-crafted and no budget has been spared in surrounding the ex-Wernham Hogg paper salesman Brent with the finest session musicians money can buy. Standouts include the reggae unity anthem ‘Equality Street’ and the coming-of-age tale of Brent losing his virginity in ‘Lady Gypsy’.

However, the momentum of the record soon becomes stilted as Brent meanders through less compelling tales of life on the road as a sales rep and his beloved Slough. Parts of the album are dry and bordering on bland, but maybe that’s the point. Still, Gervais is far too disciplined for this effort to really shine.

Brent is back, but maybe the “born entertainer” needs to loosen his tie a little.

David Brent And Foregone Conclusion’sLife On The Roadis out now throughCaroline.

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