It’s a while since the Wu-Tang Clan have created so much buzz. GZA’s excellent record with DJ Muggs last year began an Shaolin renaissance and now rumours of Wu-Tang records are popping up everywhere. However, it’s up to Ghostface Killah to keep the buzz going with his fifth studio album, Fishscale.

The album begins with “The Return Of Clyde Smith”, a throwback to the “Supreme Clientele” days, and the album immediately feels like that. “Shakey Dog” showcases Ghost’s storytelling ability to a tee. “Kilos”, a duo with Raekwon, is the LP’s first true shining point. “Kilos” is about as catchy a song totally based on selling cocaine can be. Juelz Santana and his Dipset compatriots couldn’t do it better. “The Champ” starts with a second throwback to “Supreme Clientele”. Ghost definitely knows how he wants this record to sound. “The Champ” is also Ghost at his lyrical best spitting “Wonderin' how y'all niggaz get past me I been doin this before Nas dropped the Nasty”.

“9 Milli Bros” is a treat for Wu-Tang fans old and young. Featuring production by MF Doom and all 9 Wu-Tang members (including the late, great Ol’ Dirty Bastard (R.I.P.)) the Wu rips into the obvious Doom soundscape. The track not only proves the Wu still roll as one, but they are convincing when they do it. “Back Like That” is the huge (in Wu terms) first single with Def Jam crooner Ne-Yo. Ghost tells a tale of his wom an’s infidelity with Ne-Yo handling hook duties. Ridiculously catchy, if not entirely convincing for a Ghost track. Pete Rock produced “Be Easy” with Theodore Unit’s Trife is, once again, amazingly catchy. Both Pete and Starks sound fresh with Trife showing why he deserves his place as Ghost’s new right hand man.

“Clipse Of Doom” is, once again, obvious MF. The track is a lot harder to get into that other, perhaps because of the rough production, but once again shines on an album where it is easy to get overshadowed. “Jellyfish” and “Dogs of War” (with Cappa and Rae respectively) take Ghost back to his Ironman days for obvious reasons.

So, the Wu is back with vengeance in the ‘06 and Ghost drops a jewel which outshines everything since “Supreme Clientele”. Bring on OB4CL2 and the Ghost/ MF collaboration. The Wu-Tang shall rise again!

Download : Kilos, 9 Milli Bros, Be Easy, Clipse Of Doom, Dogs Of War, Jellyfish

Don’t Bother : Ghost’s never been great at skits has he?

Actually, fuck that, buy this damn album, it ain’t even gonna go gold. 5.5 Out Of 6 Shots.