First album since the critically acclaimed ‘The Chair in the Doorway’ in 2009, is Living Colour at the height of their creative powers, still experimenting as though they were upstarts instead of seasoned veterans. While the blues served as the foundation for the collection, Living Colour’s blues incorporate a myriad of influences, while speaking to the politically-charged climate of the times.Without a doubt, that quality comes across clearly on the 13-track effort. ‘Shade’ is a sonic journey that careens from the furor of “Blak Out,” an old school thrasher that struts with a gangster boogie to “Program,” a searing, socially-spiked cocktail that nods to the band’s iconic hit “Cult of Personality.” Stand-out tracks such as the acid funk balladry of “Two Sides” (complete with a guest appearance by George Clinton) and the afro-punk fireworks of “Glass Teeth,” prove Corey Glover’s vocals to be stronger than ever, while Vernon Reid, long acknowledged as one of the most creative guitarists in modern rock, lives up to his reputation on album opener “Freedom Of Expression (F.O.X.)” and the soul blues of “Who’s That?” Drummer Will Calhoun points to “Invisible,” which pays homage the late Buddy Miles, among his favorites on the album