HELIOSCOPE

Traditional post-rock met with occasional electronic flair, this album consists of primarily instrumentals with an occasional song placed here and there. For those who appreciate Radiohead or could imagine a friendlier Porcupine Tree's The Incident, this is an experience worth acquiring.

"Monoform" A heavy beat under counterintuitive electronics batters its way through the first moments of the album before the piece settles into a comfortable rhythm. The ending sweeps in like the cold fury of a blizzard.

"The Trap" Continuing the pleasant but urgent pace of the previous track, "The Trap" quiets down, allowing the bass drum to mark the intensity. Gradually growing in loudness, the end of the piece possesses blasts of growling guitar.

"Recur" Peppy and lighthearted, this first song has low vocals, both in the fore and as backup. Rolling snares provide added energy even when the vocals tend to drag.

"Later Than You Think" Soft, semi-plucked tones are met with deep rumbles below. Grungy rock punctuates and contrasts with the light electronic elements.

"Meatman, Piano Tuner, Prostitute" Feathery piano-like music in an odd time signature brings in Steven Wilson-like vocals. The concluding passage nears the likes of doom metal.

"Art/Choke" After a blazing rock passage, a sputtering, thudding bass leads the charge, essentially setting up a basic rhythm, allowing the washes of sound and the active drums to paint a picture of sound over it.

"Heal" Perhaps predictably the most tranquil and soothing of the music presented, "Heal" relies on soft, crashing waves and gentle timbres.

"All Our Ends" My favorite track on the album, "All Our Ends" has much more convincing vocals with a satisfying harmony. The guitars are sprightly, while the drumming during the second verse puts the cheerful factor right where it should be. Acoustic guitar adds another agreeable layer.

"Spun Infinite" The final song is a dirge-like tune, without percussion, and somehow very distant.