As promised, Epic45 have delivered their second album of 2004, this time for the Canadian label Where Are My Records. Despite being recorded before 'Slides', the new release follows it up neatly, especially with regards to an increase in vocal content. The Hood comparisons are unlikely to be shaken off on this evidence and - like that Yorkshire band - there's the impression of this group capturing the atmosphere of the surroundings in which they were recorded; in this case, the Staffordshire countryside. The results are calming, melancholic and optimistic in equal parts; far removed from the bright lights of the big cities. There's a guest appearance from July Skies/Avrocar artist Antony Harding who adds some moody clarinet parts to the already rather moody 'These Dead Years'. But by the final 'River Traffic' there's a renewed sense of hope amongst the rolling guitar chimes. The title track is most prominent though and deservedly so; it's a ten-minute plus masterpiece of Erik Satie-like piano which gradually gives way to some dreamy guitar passages. To expect a change of direction in a small amount of time would perhaps be expecting a little too much, yet this excellent band have once again turned in another fine record.