The World Is Gone

following a string of vinyl-only singles- the immaculate trio of tunes 'hater', 'foller' and 'sir' various (aka various productions) announce their xl recordings signing with this, their classic-in-the-making debut album. various are one of the most thrilling electronic pop outfits to have emerged in years - ferocious beats that are manifestly rugged and raw, whilst the melodies are pop incarnate. on a various production, genre walls come tumbling down. from the very first moments of buzzsaw frenetics of 'thunnk', the echo chamber warble of 'don't ask', the sweet oblivion of 'soho', the apocalyptic drop of 'sir' to the epic eastern grandeur of the title track 'the world is gone'. there are no handy pigeonholes to cling to, especially when the tougher electronic tracks are set against such sandy denny-inspired moments as 'circle of sorrow' and 'fly'. the audacious way various wilfully throw aside tags and conjure up a new form of pop is nothing short of breathtaking. one can safely say that various are utterly singular in the contemporary music field, even more so because they are the complete creative package brimming with a vision that spills over into their stunning illustrated artwork, their fresh and bold production sounds and individual style. the mainframe of various revolves around the two mysterious figures, adam and ian alongside an unnamed but amazing female vocalist. one of the records of the year. triple vinyl pressing on xl