bdrmm "Microtonic" [Blue & White Marble Vinyl]

It's immediately clear that this British band have broken new ground on their latest album. "The last album was essentially like a bridge between the two albums," the band say of 2023's I Don't Know. "With that one we knew what we were trying to do but with this one we've fully cracked it."

bdrmm's trademark shoegaze sound hasn't completely disappeared by any means, you'll still find beautifully layered guitars interlocking seamlessly with purring bass and crashing drums to create engulfing waves, but they are now integrated into a broader, more expansive and varied sonic palette. Being asked to support Daniel Avery (British electronic music producer), along with influences that includes Massive Attack and Thom Yorke were instrumental in the band incorporating more dance music elements.

bdrmm's decision to embrace new sounds has also stretched to new collaborators, with Working Men's Club Sydney Minksy Sargeant, along with Olivesque (aka Nightbus), both featuring on the record.