Reigns - The House on the Causeway

The instructions on the accompanying promotional material are not far off the truth when they advise listeners not to “drive, exercise or operate heavy machinery” after listening to this album. It's an incredibly subdued affair indeed. There are smatterings of gentle electronica, reminiscent of the direction Radiohead took with Kid A, as well as hypnotic whispers of piano. The vocals are equally mellow, in many places appearing as mildly sinister poems or bassy, Leonard Cohen-esque melancholy. Not perhaps what one might expect from PJ Harvey's former touring guitarist Tim Farthing and his brother, Roo. Mab Crease is a particularly engaging number - throaty and sombre, it's likely to appeal to disciples of the brilliant Enablers. Vaulted also merits close attention as a melodic slice of almost-post-rock. Taken in the right circumstances, this album is seductive and atmospheric. Just don't expect it to soundtrack any wild summer drives along the coast. [Austin Tasseltine]