Hidden is the coherent masterpiece that listeners sensed slightly erratic art-rockers These New Puritans were capable of on their fierce debut. Even newcomers to the band should be impressed. Hidden blends seemingly irreconcilable musical elements into an unbelievably complex and engrossing whole. Lead single “We Want War” is an epic journey of brass, scuzzy guitars, mechanical whirrs and hip-hop beats Tribal percussion, understated vocals and ominous brass comprise spookily intense “Three Thousand”. Eerily beautiful “Hologram” demonstrates that, despite the bountiful art-rock, ringleader Jack Barnett is also a talented songwriter, as does penultimate track “White Chords”. “Fire-Power” has some of the most relentless percussion you’ll hear all year, overshadowing the punches of bass and guitar. It also repeats the album’s classical motif from brief opener “Time Xone”. On “Canticle”, Jack Barnett shows of his compositional skills with a woodwind ensemble, and it’s arguable whether or not this is a necessary interlude or just evidence of kitchen sink throwing. Hidden isn’t for the faint hearted. It’s a musician’s album, one to puzzle over. Yet hooks and big choruses abound, not least of all in terrifyingly huge standout track “Attack Music”- epitomising the album with a perfect marriage of bassoon and hip-hop.
9.1/10
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