When you’re working within a tight four minute “single” format, can you afford a slow build up via a gradual fade-in? Irish band Myriad Things seem to think so, and their current track ‘Sanctuary’ has already clocked up forty seconds before anything really kicks in.

Until that point, they gradually tease the listener with a busy prog rock-ish guitar part that gradually beavers away, and eventually is left to underscore the bulk of the songs melody without a pause. That intro builds a lot of interest, but once everything hits, the band sound superb: there’s the prog-ish guitar loop, which should remind some listeners of early Porcupine Tree; a solid bass part that adds more of an indie flair, and a vocal that has a hint of shoegaze. Everything combined creates a really busy yet accessible sound; one that’s not easily defineable.

There are moments where everything feels like a clever melodic take on prog, but also a post-rock vibe that collides with indie fare to create something very smart. The way the vocal floats above the incessant rhythm sets a huge melodic contrast in place, and although this isn’t as immediate as their earlier ‘10,000 Miles Away’ single, it’s superb in its own way. It relies more on a musical smartness than a lyrical hook, but it works on its own terms, and Myriad Things are clearly very confident that this sophisticated track will find an audience of alternative heads that will absolutely love it.

Take a listen to the track below.