Nadja – The Stone is Not Hit by the Sun, Nor Carved With a Knife

Three tracks. 80 Minutes. By the time opener The Stone shudders to a halt, and there's still nearly an hour to go, this much is clear: unlocking this remarkable work is the key to connecting to its uncompromising mode. Learning its language, breathing its rarified air, braving its mass of driving beats and strong-arm guitars: The Stone is Not Hit by the Sun, Nor Carved With a Knife is a record to learn.

The clues are there, though, and they come early. The duo of Aidan Baker and Leah Buckareff construct their exultant soundscapes from the kind of dark matter that recalls the arch riffery of doom-metal, but they compose with skill and care.

Fans of slowcore titans Codeine, or even Mogwai, will find much to admire here. When The Stone finally unveils a beautifully phrased motif that's an inch away from a chorus, it's sweet relief amidst the onslaught, and rich reward. The Stone... is as generous throughout, asking much of the listener and paying back with interest every time. Superb.

Listen to: The Stone, The Sun, A Knife