PAUW – Macrocosm Microcosm

Accomplished and playful, the Dutch quartet's debut is a likeable slice of psychedelia. But that's only half the story. While scene leaders Tame Impala and The Black Angels put riffs and muscle before whimsy, and draw a much clearer line back to the source, PAUW reference little from the late 60s, favouring instead the later side roads.

In how Visions dares lift the guitar melody from Pink Floyd's Breathe – aided by arrangements that are flighty, free and coloured with keys and woodwind – PAUW toy with both prog and folk influences. There are shades of Focus, a hint of Kevin Ayres. Keep up as they traverse the back and forth of Today Never Ends, dexterously changing tempo and tone. Not, as is often the case when mysticism and feel are key drivers, entirely compelling throughout, but brimming with melody and genuinely characterful.