DARK and brooding, Devics - the symbolic 'protective angels' - capitalise on the haunting vocals of Sara Lov and combine them with an exotic array of electronic instrumentation.

This is not a record for the optimist, spreading heartbreaking tales of emptiness and pointlessness. But it is an interesting album and much of the credit for that is thanks to the sheer power and beauty of Lov's voice - echo-laden with a burning intensity. That makes up for their patchy lyrical quality, which provides a disturbing glimpse of a mind you may not want to invade voluntarily. The music is experimental: the 'soundtrack to a movie not yet made', they claim. It is a sound which works better in the background. With only three songs under 4:30, the ten tracks are drawn out. Devics are hard work but an experience which can be rewarding - if you can stand all their pain.

Updated: 09:24 Thursday, April 03, 2003