The American Analog Set: Set Free

Herald rating: * * *

They're consistent at least. But consistency goes only so far, especially after 10 years as a band.

Since The American Analog Set (that's The Amanset to fans) formed in 1995 they have gained a steady following of those people after some highly hypnotic and often woozy pop. Their sixth album is much like, if not just the same as, their previous albums, so this legion of fans will love it. But for the rest of us there will be moments of beauty and greatness in between the occasional slumber.

The most striking elements of Set Free are the subtleties, such as the delicate change to a harder strum on Born on the Cusp, and the smouldering fuzz bass on Cool Kids Keep. Otherwise it tends to fade into the background.

The second half of the album ups the pulse rate with the drum seat jiggling around a little (most noticeably on First Of Four) and will act as a perfect accompaniment to something like Breaks Co Op on summer days.

But, mostly, Set Free is far sleepier than that local chilled-out gem. It lilts and warps, and occasionally you think it's going to build, but it never reaches a crescendo and simply makes for a beautiful, thrumming teaser of an album.

Label: Spunk/Rhythmethod