MISERY can be the making of a man. Mark Linkous has been away for some time, leaving fans of his North Carolina band bemused and anxious.

Newly clean and sober, great care has been taken with this new release.

This is a shimmering pool rather than an outpouring, quietly reflective and hypnotic.

Cellos burr and xylophones plink, and the air is full of natural imagery - the sounds of a recluse.

It takes a long time to digest, and initially it seems tame by comparison with the fire of his previous albums.

You have to pay attention, absorb the layers and listen to the lyrics for clues.

The title track is the only real keeper here, a ten-minute epic ending in a warm finale.