Peter Perrett, the iconic frontman of the Only Ones (and official member of the Keith Richards Home for Rock n’ Roll Survivors), finds a new sense of purpose with The Cleansing, a sprawling double album that sees him dive deep into fresh, uncharted territory. Known for his sardonic lyrics and a laid-back delivery that made him a cult figure in rock’s late ‘70s new wave and punk era, Perrett’s newest is a tribute to his survival and transformation, marking what you could call a "third coming" in his long, turbulent career.

Clocking in at 20 tracks, The Cleansing reveals a world-weary Perrett who’s nonetheless ready to face that world with a sharper wit and an even broader musical range. Supported by his sons, Jamie on guitar and production and Peter Jr. on bass, along with a lineup of superstar fans - Johnny Marr, Bobby Gillespie, Fontaines D.C.’s Carlos O’Connell, and Dream Wife’s Alice Go - Perrett captures the intimacy of an artist in reflection. The album’s lead single, “I Wanna Go With Dignity,” is an irreverent, hook-filled ode that sets the tone with its three-minute punch of deadpan honesty. Perrett dedicated “I Wanna Go With Dignity” to the late Fiona H Stevenson (a.k.a. Fay Wolftree), and David Cavanagh, both interviewers who left a mark on him. Bobby Gillespie’s haunting vocals and Carlos O’Connell’s guitar elevate this track and several others on the album, which Perrett calls “a new energy, and a new approach.”

The record moves seamlessly across a spectrum of dynamics and lyrical introspection. Perrett touches on everything from addiction and aging to social media and death, themes he doesn’t shy away from. “I know some of the subject matter is death, suicide, and depression,” he explains, “but there’s an uplifting atmosphere to the album, because I’m obviously enjoying recognizing what’s going on around me.” It's a mix of stark realism softened by the allure of his South London drawl and the narcotic, melodic pull of his songwriting.

The Cleansing feels like a full-circle moment for Perrett whose career has seen several rises and falls. After fronting the Only Ones from 1976 to 1981, Perrett's drug-fueled escapades pushed him out of the limelight, and he spent much of the ‘80s and ‘90s in a daze, battling addiction and attempting comebacks. His first solo album didn’t arrive until 2017 with How The West Was Won, breaking a decades-long silence. His follow-up, Humanworld, continued his rebirth, but it was uncertain if he’d record again, especially when the pandemic hit just after its release. But his voice is as unmistakable as ever, his wit still razor-sharp, and his melodies charmingly potent to the end. It’s a sign that Peter Perrett, after all these years and despite all the setbacks, still isn’t finished.