On the record the band once again hones in on a genre-busting combination of organic improvisation, process-driven experimentation and the focused strength earned from a year of extensive travelling and touring the world together. You get your minimalist trances, electronic exploration, techno thump, jazz motifs and Eastern music tropes in a joyous and complete listening experience. It's a snapshot (or more closely, a yearbook) from an eventful 2008 that is more raw, emotional and loud than anything they've released thus far. Let's put the songs under our trusty microscope and see what we find. "Troubled, Shaken Etc." kicks off with "Love That Moves The Sun". It's a bouncy realization of minimalism set to the cosmos. Arpeggios (on both guitar and vibraphone) set a repetitive tone and Sian Ahern's powerful vocals resemble the sort of expansive clouds we learned about in a 7th grade science class. "Close To The Ground" begins with a Terry Riley meets Theo Parrish figure that slowly morphs into stomp-rock territory with organic four-to-the-floor rhythmic intensity. "Vanishing" provides a unique take on techno. Rupert Clervaux's drums are like a wild Elvin Jones who lived through the rave era, and the vocals provide angelic whole tones over the unhinged bounce. "White" is a surprise. It makes us want to re-enroll in college circa 1994, take naps on a grassy knoll and dream of the heartbreak awaiting us throughout the next two decades. Simply put the guitar interplay on this track is totally breathtaking. It's automatic mixtape fodder. "Troubled, Shaken, Etc." reveals an extremely hardworking band that is focused on process, craft and how their interpersonal relationships can serve as a catalyst to document life in an honest, original and innovative manner. The band masterfully handles the production, and we can't emphasize enough just how strongly Sian's vocals have come through. With guest spots from live mainstays (Sasha Vine, Eben Bull and label-mate Mike Bones), as well as John Coxon (Spring Heel Jack) and Graham Barton, "Troubled, Shaken Etc." is a varied record with tons of collaborative hands on deck. Time to get excited.