Purely Fresh

The newest album from the English band These New Puritans hits a harder, darker side of the genre known as art-rock. “Hidden” was mixed by Dave Cooley, who is known for his work with hip-hop artists like Madvillan and MF Doom, and the hip-hop influence is clearly visible through the album, with dance-hall-like beats and electronic experimentation.

The first single, “Attack Music,” has a heavy dub-step feel and features a children’s choir. Some of the sounds on this album are notably impressive, especially the use of bassoon and powerful taiko drums.

The sheer range of sound and swimming through various genres is beautifully artistic and haunting at the same time. The track “Fire-Power” references M.I.A.’s “Fire Fire” and throws a lot of the melody from the vocals to the drums, which resonates as a heavy, tribal beat.

“Hidden” is great and sounds beautifully fresh, an album fit for its times.