I think it will certainly tide those over who are eagerly anticipating The New Puritans' sophomore effort. The militaristic drum beats and trumpets on some of the tracks bring to mind the aesthetic of 'Hidden', though this album is never so unrelentingly imposing.

I'd say it manages to stay just the right side of melancholy while remaining accessible, and in that sense it reminds me of albums like 'Faith' or 'Seventeen Seconds', at least in spirit.

There's a lot of moods in evidence on this album - loneliness, frustration, desperation - and it's all executed very well. I suppose another band that comes to mind would be Death in June.

If Savages represent the full throttle ferocity and statement of intent that came in the early days of post-punk, then this is that other more introspective sort of music that haunted the early 80s.

It demands repeated listens, that's for sure. It might be brilliant - I haven't decided yet.