The Thousands

This record is a jigsaw. A Rubick’s cube. As soon as you enter this musical labyrinth you’re lost in the shadows. Caught up in a running stream of repeating refrains and echoing hooks as the record circles in on itself like a snake eating its own tail (Dear, infinity symbol).

But really, who wants to keep tabs on the real world when such an escape is on offer. Rammed full of sardonic wit and sonic paradoxes, its cryptic brilliance lies not only in the skewed philosophical musings on Greek mathematics and 16th Century occultists, but also in the mix of totemic, dancehall rhythms and scattered guitars.

**With highlights in ‘Swords of Truth’, ‘Numerology AKA Numbers’ and ‘MKK3′, those fanatics out there of the ex-Dior Homme honcho, Hedi Slimane, should keep their ears tuned for a remake of their commissioned, 16-minute behemoth ‘Navigate’ – which, surprise, surprise, has been warped and morphed into a reprise of a previous album track named ‘Colours’.

If they’re as beguiling live as they are on record, Australian fans are in for quite the trip.