This album is indeed a return to form for Died Pretty. This is not to say that this versatile Sydney outfit has ever been "bad", but their previous two albums are not among their best. "Trace" had a difficult task, following in the footsteps of the awesome "Doughboy Hollow", and ultimately failed as a result. Although containing some brilliant tracks, it seemed too weighed down and ponderous; even the long sprawling epics Died Pretty do so well seemed laboured. "Sold" was better - it is actually quite good, but never gelled as a whole. Having signed to Sony for these two albums, the company dropped them shortly after, but Died Pretty bounced back in 1998 with "Using My Gills As A Roadmap". It is every bit as impressive as "Doughboy Hollow". The album has just nine tracks, but embraces an entire new sound. The intricate guitar work of Brett Myers takes a back seat, serving as supporting rhythms to John Hoey's keyboards and synthesisers. >From the searing noise that pervades through the rocking opener, "Slide Song", the whole album has the feel of a band exploring a new horizon, taking a different turn, and succeeding in the effort. It is less a rock album; it is more a deep and emotionally provoking exploration of the senses. "She Was" and "The Daddy Act" continue the synth dominated sound, while "Paint it Black You Devils" is unlike anything the band has done before. It is dominated by a tribal rhythm, with Ron Peno's affected vocals interjecting, somewhat incidentally. It is very danceable! "Stay", "Gone" and "Away" are more introspective songs - the middle of these, in particular, is a wonderfully layered song with shifts and changes, including beautiful synthesiser effects. "Away" has similar sounds, simultaneously gentle and haunting. The first single, "Radio" and the final song, "Drive", are the most rockiest, but they too are dominated by Hoey's keyboards. Peno's vocals remain as murky and obscure as ever, with impenetrable lyrics; but in the case of Died Pretty, less is often more. Although you can't understand much of what Peno says, you can sense the passion and the yearning. In summary (and put very simply), "Using My Gills As A Roadmap" is brilliant. It is by all means an experimental effort - the sound attests to this - but it works because Died Pretty is a band that never shies away from taking risks.

Estimated despatch 14-20 days after ordering.