Without her, whither Bjork? Kate Bush, the most talented yet elusive superstar ever to begin life in Bexleyheath, is back. It's been a while since we've heard from her - The Red Shoes, her last album, surfaced in 1993.
So, 12 years later, what does a new Kate Bush song sound like? Does she still have that certain je ne sais quoi that catapulted Wuthering Heights into the public consciousness back in 1978? Is King of the Mountain any good?
Fans can breathe easily - it is everything that could be hoped for. If before she was Running Up That Hill, now she's on top of her mountain, surveying the scene before her with a calm, contented gaze. A mysterious pulse of synth draws the listener in before Kate's slurred, echo-laden vocals pipe up. Essentially nonsensical lyrics culminate in a chorus of "the wind is whistling", but it's the inclusion of precisely considered drums and rhythmic, almost reggae guitar under trancey warm pad synth that make for the track's atmosphere. And it's a heady mix.
The perfect taster for new album Aerial, King of the Mountain showcases Kate's wistful style for anyone not familiar with her, and a timely reminder of her effortless talent to those who are.