Imagine if you will, Porcupine Tree with Morrissey singing. That's the ex Smiths singer not the guy who did Bob the Builder. Because, fundamentally, that's what November sound like. They also doff the cap to modern day Anathema and throw in some of the atmospherics of compatriots the Gathering. Sometimes, there's a hint of mid seventies, solo Peter Hammill, especially around the piano parts. Very bleak, very melancholic and thoroughly enjoyable.

This fiveish track demo (the last track is a teaser from their forthcoming album) lasts around 20 minutes, was recorded live with just a couple of overdubs and should be near the top of your buying list if the opening paragraph whetted your appetitie.

The best track is "Afterglow", where all of their influences come together in exquisite fashion, although the extract from "Caravan" shows they've got some more gems up their sleeves. Although the 'extract' is five minutes long, so epic ahoy alert! If they were looking to go down a populist route then "Star Of The Fields" is extremely accessible, and if one of the new wave of boy bands (Keane, Athlete, Embrace etc) were to release it, a hit would ensue.

Top quality songs and one of the best demos I've heard all year.

:twisted :twisted :twisted :twisted out of 5
November website