WHEN artists such as Dido reflect back to us contemporary values they give us mirrors, but when musicians such as Martin Grech move to the unfamiliar, they give us portals.

Grech's vision is indeed unholy, a startling and unsettling mix of neo classical, nu-metal and singer songwriter fare. Clearly influenced by Radiohead, this takes their ambition and welds a dark, gothic worldview on top. The opening tracks run a gamut of style and emotion, with I Am Chromosome particularly chilling. While the melodies struggle for air, there is a literary mind at work on the lyrics. As a realised whole, it hangs together remarkably well, although it will not appeal to the faint hearted. For ambition and concept, this is arguably a truer follow-up to Grace than any Jeff Buckley made - just listen to dramatic closer Elixir.

Updated: 08:55 Thursday, July 21, 2005