Altered Zones

Sydney's pioneering, apocalyptic freaks Naked On The Vague return with what is probably their most "accessible" jam to date, whatever that means. The a-side from the forthcoming "Abstract Figures" 7" is propulsive and fidgety-- like a lot of the band's earlier output, but different. It's almost hummable, for one, with an excellently '80s rock vibe that makes us wonder what would happen if the band tried covering INXS. That doesn't necessarily work on paper, but it doesn't need to, since "Abstract Figures" is some of the best music Naked On The Vague have put on tape yet. US residents can catch them supporting Zola Jesus on select dates of their current tour. --Max Lavergne, Rose Quartz

MP3: Naked On The Vague: "Abstract Figures"

Abstract Figures 7" is out April 29 on R.I.P. Society. Visit MySpace for U.S. tour dates