Local duo Swing - feted pop-maker Eric Kwok and human trumpet Jerald Chan - are back with a bang on Wu Dang. A feast of beautifully written music, the album picks up where the flamboyance of their last, pre-disbanding hit Big Big Company left off.

The album features piano-led ballads, feel-good pop, groovy jazz and big band ensembles. It also steps into new territory with some hip hop and rap. Wu Dang is diverse and has something for everyone; it's not your average Canto-pop release.

Kwok and Chan possess only average voices, but they know this, and compensate for their vocal shortcomings with witty lyrics and clever arrangements. Unfortunately, if you don't understand Cantonese, you'll miss out on the hilarious wordplay.

All 10 tracks tell stories of everyday affairs, such as seafood dinners and a loaf of bread. Highlights include energetic opener I Have the Goods, the tasteful Bread Life, Zen-inspired Let It Go and the environmentally-aware Fish Shrimp Crab.

The album also includes four amusing music videos, a mini-concert and some behind-the-scenes footage. It will put a smile on your face, whatever your musical preferences.

SCMP - Sunny Tse