Bleep

If Radio Scarecrow represented a conceptual reawakening for The Black Dog’s new 21st century lineup, its 2010 followup signalled an even darker turn into the underbelly of modern British life. Yet even when citing “the seeds of nihilist despair sown amongst the citizens” as a reference, Further Vexations is all but a timid album. These are techno raves amid howling winds, with sputtering wires and sparking power tool beats. ‘CCTV Nation’ is as euphoric as a surveillance themed classic club track can be, while the eerie bass drone of ‘Skin Clock’ is overtaken by moments of crystalline ambience, evolving into a ripping collage of rhythm.