The press release, as these things are want to do, gushes praise upon the release claiming all sorts of wonderful things for Spires, but in this case the claims are largely true and with no word of a lie, the record is now on its third spin and I’m still finding new things to enjoy and appreciate within the music. Geiger-esque, the amazing design was created by Daniella Morrison, and it instantly stands out from the month’s other releases because it is a simply stunning piece of art.

Spires win instant points from the off thanks to some remarkable packaging. True, there is much pleasure in the latest album by a well-loved band and now that review CDs arrive on a semi-regular basis I’m always thrilled when a familiar name appears, but finding something entirely new – that’s what makes reviewing so thrilling. Before the prospect of reviewing reared its enticing head, it was always my pleasure to go to the local record shop and to choose something truly random based on a sleeve sticker, perhaps, or the artwork and it was in that way that I discovered Botch, The Catheters and Bujeria – all worthy bands that I enjoy to this day.

One of the undisputed pleasures of music is that leap into the unknown when you encounter something new and exciting.

Spires of ascension