CLOSE TO MY HEART

Eleven years after their previous studio effort and more than 30 years after they were a highly praised act comes a new album by this Scottish ensemble.

12 relatively short tunes, sporting punk-tinged guitars with something of a Hawkwind touch to them in the energetic numbers and a mellower, Floydian approach in the more atmospheric pieces. With a few Frippian spices here and there. Partially contrasting and partially fleshing out the soundscapes we're served space-tinged symphonic textures, with a few spaced out additions on select numbers. Floating above it all the often talklike vocals of Virginia Scott. Sometimes sensual in a dreamy, jazz-inspired sort of way, more shouting in a rebel like manner on other occasions and dripping with raw sexuality on a number like a-ha. Her vocals are essential throughout, the Scottish pride instrumental album closer Here Comes Everybody being the sole exception.

Sophisticated art rock with a light space and symphonic orientation is the end result here, very well made and performed. I'd guess that fans of Pink Floyd and Hawkwind might be the ones most intrigued by this effort, which most certainly is worth getting familiar with.