AC Acoustics' third album is very much a return to the guitar thunderstorm created by the much-missed Kitchens Of Distinction. Like that group, AC Acoustics generally play their instruments very loud, but submerged beneath the wall of sound, genuine layers of melody are slowly revealed. That's not to say 'Understanding Music' is derivate and one-dimensional though; opener 'Luke One' and 'Arcane Action Man' are deliciously melodic yet fairly light in terms of production. The string-laden 'She Kills For Kicks' has an anthemic quality that could yet see them break through to the mainstream and by the time the 13th track ends with the rousing eight minute 'Waiter Strains' the listener will feel exhausted after a thoroughly enjoyable ride through murky alternative rock waters.