I have to admit it is with great trepidation that I approach a latter day compilation of Mission b-sides and unreleased tracks. Not because I have any doubts in Mr Hussey's ability in crafting some great tunes, but because I remember right back to the golden days of the original band some 20 plus years ago when the back sides of the band's singles (on a plethora of different formats) were choc-a-block with live tracks, throw aways and awful remixes where the phaser effect rained supreme. So what can a collection of out takes and b-sides dating from the recording of 2007 'God Is A Bullet' album possibly offer? I dive in to find out...

Splash down and I'm stunned. Bugger me, this is great stuff.

The first two tracks, 'It Don't Matter Anymore Anyhow ' and 'Refugee' from 2007's 'Keep It In the Family' EP are well worth a second chance at reaching a wider audience, and suddenly I'm starting to get a craving to see the band live again...C'mon Wayne give Craig a shout and get it together.

Track three 'Room 22' is the first of five new songs featured on the album and illustrates that Wayne Hussey hasn't lost the inspiration to produce some fantastic tunes. Following on we're treated to the three b-sides from the 'Blush' single, of these 'Chelsea Blue' is a real winner.

I'd probably make some comparisons to latter day Alarm with some of the stuff on here, but as about eight people in the entire universe would benefit from that reference I won't (oh shit, I just did.... Doh!!!!!).

Seven songs in and I'm really starting to feel this is going to be an essential purchase when alarm (not them again) bells begin to ring. Two instrumentals on the bounce and I'm beginning to get edgy. What next? Oh no, it can't be... Wayne's got the phaser out again and we're into remix territory. That said the ac cappella remix of 'Aquarius & Gemini' works very well and is the highlight of the second portion of the album.

'Dum-Dum Bullet' then is half of a really great album and well worth getting hold of if your an ardent fan of the band, especially given it's 'mid price' tag. However, I still can't help thinking that if you're in a Mission mood, then with the remastered versions of the classic Mission albums on offer on Amazon at under a fiver, you might be better off checking those out first.

http://www.myspace.com/themissionuk

http://www.myspace.com/waynehussey