Outfit grow on second release Slowness

Outfit were formed in 2011 from the embers of synthpop band Indica Ritual. Essentially a progressive, melodic and emotion-fused art-pop band, Outfit produce intricate and refined synth and piano led music rooted in the synth-pop of the 1980's. Supporting bands like Clinic and Ladytron, they quickly established themselves as emerging talents, pushing the Liverpool scene into the limelight. Similar in many ways to near-neighbours Mansun, they perfectly evoked the 80's while still sounding fresh. Songwriting and high-end technical artistry is at the core of what they do. Their songs tend to be deft and sprawling, deconstructing traditional pop structures to form melancholic and nunaced symphonies.

They have continued to evolve and this shows on their second album Slowness.

Elegant, sprawling and atmospheric, it has the feel and scope of a concept album. The sublime and ambient 'New Air' opens with Tom Gorton’s jittering synth leading in to Andrew Hunt’s slow and full piano. It is ambient and layered with ornate instrumentation and lyrical flourishes.

Tracks such as 'Slowness', 'Smart Thing' and 'Genderless' are redolent of Prefab Sprout or Talk Talk with smooth production and shimmering melodies.

'Framed' is a shining example of how their songwriting has matured; bass and piano driven it is replete with deft touches of synth, guitar and David Berger’s syncopated drums.

Closing out with the shimmering and magnificent 'Swam Out', mirroring the opener; it is sweeping and epic in its scope. Hushed vocals over mellow piano give way to huge constantly spiraling synths backed by propulsive bass and effects-laden guitar. It is a thunderous closer and shows a band at complete ease.

This is as complete an album as you can get. It is truly outstanding and gives a little more of itself with each listen.