Music review: Low, Ones and Sixes

The absolute star of the album is the penultimate track <i>Landslide</i>.

Low
Ones and Sixes
Rating: 5/5

For a band in their 23rd year, Minnesota's Low still sound as fresh as the spring, even with the occasional look back.

Ones and Sixes is their 11th studio album and it is as beautiful as you would expect - glorious yet exquisite, understated pop which takes it slow.

At times even harking back to trip hop, while at other times calling to mind the best in Flying Nun noisecore.

No Comprende is an arty, lurching piece with haunting, wafting vocals over short, sharp beats that bring to mind the Motels' Total Control - altogether uncomfortable but soothing.

What Part of Me will have you singing along, as with the sad Lies, which showcases magnificent harmonies of vocalists Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker.

The absolute star of the album is the penultimate track Landslide, which kicks off like a Western lament before crashing down with such rock power that it's like a religious experience.