If presentation meant everything, AM Syndicate’s demo would earn them the biggest record deal this world has ever seen. Wrapped in a carefully folded sheet of black, closed with a patch of Velcro and sealed with a dab of wax, this five-track CD lies at peace like a recently deceased monarch, the final, aesthetically pleasing touch a veil of red paper protecting the black-bottomed CDR from its equally dark surroundings. Quite unique and quite beautiful.

The music, too, is nothing short of excellent. Imagine if ...Trail Of Dead fully explored their classical leanings, and you’d have some idea of what track two here, title unknown, sounds like. Three - again, title unknown - is a superlative rock stomper reminiscent of Yo La Tengo cutting loose. Four, an organ-opened prog-rocker with an epic feel to it; ghostly, disjointed voices floating from speaker to speaker. What is_ known is a smattering of band facts: they number six, and include a talented violinist amongst their ranks. A comparison to Blonde Redhead is made on the accompanying blurb (a live review, I think), and it’s a justifiable one. Where they’re from, though, and their names are mysteries. Best click your way to their website to find out for yourself, as this is music that really requires further investigation.* Actually, this is music that really, _really requires a deal. Anyone want to ‘lend’ me some startup money?

*Further investigation reveals: Am Syndicate count members of The Rise, Rhythm Of Black Lines and ...Trail Of Dead amongst their ranks. Their names are there for you to see at their website. Go see...