Broadcast – Berberian Sound Studio

Broadcast's soundtrack for the critically-acclaimed film Berberian Sound Studio was created by James Cargill and Trish Keenan before the latter's untimely death in early 2011. The devastating effectiveness of her vocals, despite being used only sparsely on this release, is a stark reminder of what Broadcast have lost; although rumours persist that a new album of material featuring vocals recorded before Keenan's passing could surface this year on Warp.

For now, Berberian Sound Studio showcases a muted, minimal approach which is still in keeping classic Broadcast, evoking memories of Witch Cults of the Radio Age. The giallo theme of the film is also explored, with sonic nods to Goblin, particularly their Suspiria soundtrack – analogue synths and organs feature heavily, and the production has the hiss and reverb of a vintage recording. Clocking in at 39 tracks and almost 40 minutes, it's an album of glimpses, fragments and half-formed images; but it has a remarkable coherence and beauty despite, or perhaps because of this. [Bram E Gieben]