Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Not an easy set to pigeonhole. An Australian band that mix up goth influences with a few electronic rhythms and some haunting guitar and vocals. It's atmos­pheric, it's intense and it's dark but it's also completely compelling. Personally, I like the insistent undercurrent groove of the wonderfully titled "Real Man In Quicksand" where the pursuit of the material only sucks the hapless protagonist deeper into the spiritual quagmire. The powerful guitars and rhythm of the despair turning to hope. "Ghost Storm" is another highlight, and the brooding epic instrumental "Eclipse" sheds light on another angle of the band's talents -the ability to construct moving and leftfield pieces. The atmosphere is continued into the next track "Contort" which builds up the intensity and darkness. The closing "Insight" with its slightly lighter feel ends the album on a more hopeful note. If you're looking for something a little off the beaten track then this is worth checking out.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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