SECONDS LATE FOR THE BRIGHTON LINE

They are a trio at this point with Ka-Spel and Silverman both playing keyboards, synths and electronics and Ed singing of course while Drost adds guitars and bass. This really is a top notch release by the band and I would put it in the "A Perfect Mystery" territory from 2000 this is that good. So much atmosphere with Ed and Silverman adding those layers of synths and electronics while as usual we get Ed's sophisticated lyrics to top it all off.

"Russian Roulette" is a top three track opening with the sounds of a train station then percussion and spacey synths take over as spoken words arrive. I really like how this song builds, really cool. We do get some instrumental breaks with atmosphere and beats. "God And Machines" is another top three because of the overwhelming atmosphere at times and the words are spoken and they will come and go. What a song! Final top three is another track with atmosphere galore and that's the 13 minute closer called "Ascension". It opens with piano and atmosphere and this is a long beautiful ride that can get haunting at times. Some percussion too but this is all about the atmosphere.

A couple of tracks just outside my top three would be "Leap Of Faith" for the inventive lyrics and it opens with experimental sounds before vocals and a full sound arrives around a minute in. Lots of atmosphere. It drifts on for some time late to end it. "Hauptbahnhof 20:10" is one I just like to hear for the vocals and words, it just resonates with me. Again plenty of atmosphere and intricate sounds while it opens with piano. "No Star Too Far" is an electronic piece with sequencers at mid-pace. Repetitive with some spoken words. "Radiation Day" would be the other standout track for the electronics, and the lyrics are over the top. Just a really interesting piece of music.

Easily 4 stars and starting the '10's off in style.