The Latest: Broadcast and the Focus Group Investigate Witch Cults of the Radio Age

I've always been a massive fan of Broadcast, who have created a distinctinve, otherworldly pop sound of drone tones, girl-group 45s, and French new wave cinema mystere for over 10 years. (After all, they clocked in with my Song of the Decade!) And although they've mined a similar vein in their last few releases, it's always been a worthwhile listen because their sound is so distinctive.

But apparently, the band grew restless. They disappeared after releasing a retrospective compilation (which suggested their possible demise.) However, when they finally came back, they came back with a doozy... the gobsmackingly titled Broadcast and the Focus Group Investigate Witch Cults of the Radio Age.

Even after a dozen plays, it's hard to describe this record definitively. Although it retains most of the hallmarks of the Broadcast sound, it recasts them into a larger audio landscape. Most of the tracks are fragments of sound collage, with very little in the way of traditional songs. It is ambient in the true sense of the word, with found sounds falling into the overall mix (which brings a real human presence to Witch Cults.) The record is so atmospheric that one almost suspects a subtle narrative or a soundtrack to some unseen film. The density of sound is engaging and often enthralling, with something new emerging at each listen.

Made with the (apparently extensive) input of musician/designer Julian House (a.k.a. The Focus Group), Witch Cults isn't considered a true Broadcast record, but it definitely fits within their canon. It also stands alone as a distinctive audio document on its own. My only knock on it is the lack of tracks featuring the lovely tones of Trish Keenan, but songs like The Be Colony are boosted by her presence.

Recommended if you love the 4AD aesthetic of the mid-80's or Eno at his wiggiest - or if you want something a little more challenging without being too abrasive.