Andy Gibson may be a familiar name – he released album ‘Behind The I’ in 2007 as well as three EPs between 1998 and 2002. This new project with band member Samuel de Silentio, will be brand new to most people, and their first EP provides an introduction to the duo’s sound. Describing themselves as electronic alt-pop, The Crash Narrative have some curious textures, stylistic touchstones and vocal treatments amongst their songs, which sound benign on the surface, but can be ever-so-slightly ominous with repeated listenings.

This was a surprise and a revelation. ‘Apocaloptimystic’ initially comes across as non-threatening and pleasant (notably with Gibson’s vocals), however further listening uncovers layers of instrumentation that are not quite what you would expect. A good example is the mix of skank reggae beats and strings on Affluenza, something quite unexpected. While mostly strong, repeat listening does make one thing clear, the EP gets better towards the final songs. Ambitious, and a little disquieting at times, ‘Apocaloptimystic’ is a curio, one that sticks around long after you’ve listened to it.