The Thousands

PVT (formerly known as Pivot) have been chipping away at a rather large block of marble for some time now, carving a kind of sleek Italo-Futurist music machine prototype. Their third album, Church With No Magic, leaves behind their instrumental meanderings and moves into the unknown shadows of dark vocal pop.

Does it work? On the whole, yes. What PVT introduces to the listener’s ear is an even more introspective, spiky aspect of the band that wouldn’t have been imaginable on O Soundtrack My heart. ‘Crimson Swan’ and the first single from the album, ‘Windows’ stick out as prime examples. I know I’m going to hear about a 1000 jaws slap the floor in reaction to this but the latter has a weird Michael Hutchence/ INXS vibe to it.

In saying this, PVT still retain the booming, roomy drums, impeccable arrangement, and programming that has become their hallmark. I’m sure fans and non-fans alike will love this album the whole way through. From the Vangelis inspired choral opener ‘Community’ to the icy chill of the closing track  ‘Only the Wind Can Hear You’, many a pleasant surprise awaits.