Formed in London back in '91, so they're 30-year veterans by now. In the late '90s they, along with Stereolab, pretty much defined this whole world. And while you might think nothing has changed since then... that's not quite true: there are tracks using Auto-Tune, and they've folded in a present-tense US pop sensibility touching on trap and hip-hop (perhaps thanks to producer Fryars being involved). Is there even any bossa influence left at this point? It's avant-pop taken thoroughly apart, yet what it's rebuilt into is unmistakably the High Llamas sound. A flagship of miniature-garden home listening — highly recommended. If you've never heard them, this is a fine place to start. The record sounds great. Come tour Japan, please! (Original Japanese text by Shhhhh)