FOR a band of delicate, sumptuous sensibilities, Hate is a surprisingly strident title, but then this is a Jekyll-and-Hyde fourth album from Emma Pollock's Scottish quartet.

Hate and love, depression and joy, phobia and release rub shoulders in this schizophrenic sequel to the Glaswegians' Mercury Music Prize-nominated The Great Eastern.

The orchestrations are typically lush, shimmering and multi-textured, in the manner of Spiritualized or Flaming Lips or Mercury Rev's Deserter's Songs, and so it is no surprise to learn that Mercury Rev producer Dave Fridmann has pulled the strings in his trademark climactic style.

Wistful yet wishful, dark yet seeking the light, Hate is a record for the restless small hours, espresso for the heart.

Updated: 10:22 Thursday, October 31, 2002