David Meller

This is a complex debut album, but a promising one. There's definitely enough here for <b>Speck Mountain</b>'s <i>'unrelenting hope'</i> to remain.

At times as lo-fi as <b>Daniel Johnston</b>, early <b>Pavement</b>, or anything off the <b>Rough Trade</b> indie-pop compilation.

Re-interpreting and creating re-workings that seem to unearth forgotten meanings, is an art-form in itself.

Don't let the rating be an affirmative guide. Rather, let it represent a sort of average between the two moods.

For those unfamiliar with <b>The Magnetic Fields</b> it's the ideal place to start; for the more obsessive, it's the continuation of something quite brilliant.

This could be the quintessential <b>BSP</b> album that leads them to brilliantine immortality.

An inventive lyrical experience, which easily stands-up to its influences. Lovers of <b>Cave</b>, <b>Wilco</b> etc will not be disappointed.