Seefeel: s/t

Label: Warp

This is a most welcome return. Seefeel were one of the stars of the Too Pure label in the '90s -- and since the roster also boasted Th' Faith Healers, PJ Harvey, Stereolab and Pram, that's saying something. Seefeel lured shoegaze guitars into a glistening ambient realm and came out with pure ambrosia, a divine sound. After re-forming in 2008 (with a couple of new members), the group dropped an EP last fall and now this self-titled album, a rough ride with fractal-beats that nevertheless conjures thoughts of classic Seefeel. "Dead Guitars" pairs heavenly synth (or is it computer?) work with staccato percussion that reminds us we're also listening to a Warp album. "Faults" borrows only the important stuff from trip-hip -- an alluring sway of a rhythm -- with a darkly lit blend of textured vocals and bass, very sexy. "Airless" really smashes together the harsh and the pillowy soft, a collision of heaven and -- well, not hell, but someplace with sharp edges. Glorious stuff, we love it and we'll remember this one in 11 months when we're doing those lists.