Ecki's second album, a follow-up to 2005's 'Punchdrunk' and one that explores many musical avenues. Take the opening song 'Wake Up' which starts like Pink Floyd meets Jeff Buckley before going all mellow. 'A Little Bit Of Hope II' is a sparse number (like a stripped down Eels in sound) and then 'Radar' sees the band in full flight with a big drum sound and crashing guitar.

Prog rock fans in particular will love 'Somewhere Beneath' as it features a mellotron! Again Eels come to mind, more for the unusual mix of musical instruments than Ecki copying the Eels songs. The album does tail off towards the end, although 'Passion' raises the bar.

Certainly an album to work on and no one song jumps out at you after one play. For those who like the Eels, Syd Barrett fuelled Pink Floyd (mainly in the trippy arrangements) or Radiohead then seek this album out.

***½

Review by Jason Ritchie