8/10
Previously known as one of the UK's best kept secrets, progressive indie quintet Dutch Uncles are looking to bring their unique sound to a wider audience with their fourth studio album 'O Shudder'. With their roots firmly grown in the once popular math rock scene, Dutch Uncles have loosened up on the unusual time signatures for their latest release as they seem to have focused more on their pop sensibilities this time round and deliver an album with a more accessible sound.
From the off, 'O Shudders' plays like a chirpy pop rock record but with an underlying experimentation that prevents it from sounding like every other commercially-led indie-rock release we usually hear. Their own need to push the boundaries of their sound is what gives this record a fresh and interesting feel, and creates a general vibe of warm and welcoming behaviour that lets you get swept away in their transcendent style.
While others will look for the obvious comparisons like Phoenix and Foals, it is clear that Dutch Uncles are paving their own way into the scene and this latest release shows that they have the ability to evolve their sound into whatever shape their own experiences will take them.