It is indeed a damning indictment of the modern-day that wholeheartedly disappointing half-time shows and such garner the regard they do; not least when the likes of the, seemingly, increasingly sensualist These New Puritans exist. For their forthcoming Inside the Rose full-length looks set to represent one of, if not the musical centrepiece of 2019: we’ve already heard its convulsive title track and the propulsive Into the Fire before that, and now we get to lock ears on Anti-Gravity; a track which begins with Jack Barnett’s tremendously nihilistic confession: “You do a great impression of someone who is lost/ Well, I’m lost too, so let’s get lost together.” Trademarkedly strident rhythmic components interlock with this instant sense of insouciant cynicism, as the sound – at once familiar, reminiscent of Japan and Gang Gang Dance, yet remaining both singular and sinister – imposes itself like a leaden sky ominously lingering over London. A[nother] work of “rare perfection” from Messrs Barnett, in essence; and that, irrespective of whether or not they go on to get the recognition they so richly merit.

Inside the Rose is available from March 22^nd via Infectious Music, while These New Puritans play Rough Trade East that same day and The Dome on April 17^th.