Listening to the first two songs, one can only wonder if Grand Duchy is an elaborate act of seduction. The title of the opening song ("Come On Over To My House") is suggestive, even if Black's promise to make 'buckets of tea' is ambiguous. Squelchy synths add an extra dimension to this modern blues song. A tinny drum machine introduces "Love Sick", which features Gary Numan-esque synths. Violet takes the vocals, offering a breathy American vocal a la Tanya Donnelly, or even erstwhile Pixie Kim Deal. Francis strums a mean acoustic guitar before attempting further seduction, when he asks 'What are you wearing?' To which Violet coquettishly giggles, replying with the intriguing 'I don't know.' How can she not know? Is she really forgetful? Francis starts "Fort Wayne" singing falsetto, with Violet providing 'la la la's in the background. There's a woozy, Beach Boys feel or maybe this song will remind you of drinking too much Benylin.

"Seeing Stars" has a sophisticated cocktail party feel. Imagine a sunnier Portishead. The ocean of cheesy 80s synth, introduced after three minutes, is fantastic. "Black Suit" has the strongest 80s feel yet. The emotion Francis expresses in his vocals – here on the edge of distortion – is intense. There's a strong, driving feel to this song. Violet's gentler tones add lightness and provide contrast. Grand Duchy don't really do guitar solos, but the instrumental interlude here beguiles.

"The Long Song" has early Duran Duran disco drums. There are also squeals of Pixies-style guitar to complement the New Order-esque synths. The torrent of noise is enticing, promising to sweep you off our feet. "Break The Angels" has a bass heavy introduction. While the pace is swift there's a gentle laid back feeling. Violet even gives us some spoken word stuff to provide variety. The enigmatically-titled "Ermesinde" is fragile, at least to begin with. It has an experimental, electronica-tinge. "Volcano" brings the album to a close in a surreal manner. Talk of exploding volcanoes aside, this is a fun way to end the album.

While it's unlikely that this album will change your world, it seems that teaming up with Violet Clark has given Black Francis another injection of life. Not that he was lacking in vim and vigour. The Svn Fngrs EP, which he released earlier this year, wasn't shabby. Pixies devotees and fans of the 80s will enjoy the familiarity while still gaining pleasure from the shock of the new.