ENGINEERS - ALWAYS RETURNING

Engineers:
Always Returning:
KScope:
CD/LP/DD:
Out Now:

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Hands up who remembers Brighton's Frazier Chorus? Oh, just a few of you...pity, I was about to remark on the similarity between Engineers and the aforementioned miss-makers but I won't.

Instead I'll guide you towards this pleasing fourth full-lengther from a band who haven't quite vaulted over the chaff and earned respect from all-and-sundry. Time will tell but Engineers' mild-mannered and swoonsome shoe-gazey hybrid might just win them acclaim (and earnings) anytime soon - mind you, it hasn't worked for the similar Phoenix Foundation so who knows.

The title Always Returning originates from a Brian Eno piece on his acclaimed (and frankly wonderful) Apollo soundtrack and much of this album has an otherworldly, ethereal quality about it. Bless The Painter and Fight Or Flight are hardly likely to be used for 'Goal Of The Month' round-ups or the next Ang Lee fantasy but they're melodic little morsels worth cherishing.

Drive Your Car is as hushed as singer Mark Peters dared get while Innsbruck displays Ulrich Schnauss's trademark glacial synths to the fullest. The last three songs are chalk, cheese and cognac in composition but are the equal of Engineers best work thus far. Surprisingly lovely.