New ThoughtsOsaka ****

They describe themselves as "nearly a rock band", yet this Dublin duo are so much more. New Thoughts is spacious and primal, threaded with pirouetting vocal mantras and hypnotic gyrating rhythms. From this minimalism resonate all sorts of blanketing textures and thought- provoking musical ideas, the bass and drums aided with trumpet, synthesiser and mysterious vocal harmonies. Gavin Duffy's wistful vocal on Starts/Endsweaves through Peter Maybury's drilled beat-down with brilliant effect. New Thoughtsis a receptacle for all sorts of musical history, from 1960s psych to taut post-punk and elemental disco and funk, yet never succumbs to any one ideal enough to derail this singular expedition. Joujouka Reminderpays homage to the Moroccan trance masters, albeit one fronted by a spluttering Mark E Smith. Closer No Soundbrings this fantastically focused piece of work to a frenetic, screeching halt. See threadpulls.com

Download tracks: How to Talk, Starts/Ends