A sliver of strings, a squeal of feedback, pulsing drums, sheets of steely guitar and sonorous bass, and a rough, declamatory voice - from these primary components, Leeds quintet Autobahn unfurl their second album, The Moral Crossing, which adds more finesse, dynamic and colour to the commitment and energy shown on their 2014 debut Dissemble...

You're either going to love Autobahn's new album, The Moral Crossing, or totally not get it. It's loud, it's brash, it's in your face... but at its core the band have delivered some really beautiful pieces of music. Take the opening 'Prologue'. On a first play through it may irritate like nails down a blackboard... but listen to it - REALLY listen to it - and you'll hear the subtle beauty of the underlying tune.

Likewise, 'Obituary' has punky overtones and a gritty, guitar riff that sounds like a chaotic mess... but again, if you really listen to it there's a good solid tune at its core.

The album represents a nice mix of punk and '80s electronic pop music. It's moody and unpredictable but there's a nostalgic vibe running throughout. It won't be to everyone's tastes, but if you dig deeper and deconstruct the "noise", at it's heart this is a truly beautiful album.

8

Nick Smithson