ESCAPE VELOCITY

Pretty much a straight dance album replete with complex progressive synthesizer flourishes and an upbeat tempo - think of the 'Drive' Soundtrack crossed with French hipsters Justice and the crystalized streaks of Tangerine Dream's late-seventies and early-eighties output - this fourth effort from the American space-rock duo of Steve Moore(bass, keyboards) and Anthony Paterra(drums, percussion) exhibits a slicker, almost soulful new sound influenced less by progressive rock and more by the retro 1980s vibe of modern hipster pop. However, that's no criticism; this is a great album, especially so for those who don't mind the occasional dose of modern dance to go with their King Crimson's and their Genesis', acts such as Boyz Noise, Digitalism, Daft Punk and, of course, the aforementioned Justice. And this bold new streak positively hits pay-dirt on the album's final, killer track, the glistening 'Time Of Troubles', a softly-pulsing six-minute joy opus of dazzling techno-prog that could - and should - be a great deal longer. Harder sound are aroused elsewhere, just check out the pacey opener 'Escape Velocity' or the downbeat menace that pervades the grimly-monikered 'Shrunken Heads', yet the neon-lit keyboards are never far away. Fans of 'Larks Tongues In Aspic' and 'Third' may find it all a bit commercial, and that's true, yet this is smarter sonic design than many may initially think. The quality of the sound is the real key, however, and the combination of outstanding production design and slickly-realised pop- dance ambitions have melded nicely on this thoroughly unexpected success. Without a doubt, this the twosome's strongest release yet. STEFAN TURNER, STOKE NEWINGTON, 2012