I first bought this Alt-J album on vinyl as I was intrigued - nothing more.  It then went on to win the Mercury Prize in 2012.  Buying it on vinyl was a good move as it made me listen to it whole and that is what this album needs.  It's a slow grower and I know from playing it for other people that it rarely connects the first time.  But play it more and it gets right under your skin.  There is simply nothing - NOTHING - out there that sounds at all similar.  Joe Newman's vocals are the most Marmite aspect but you come to realise that it makes the music stand out and becomes part of its unique sound.  Listen to Ms and it's the unusual vocals that make the song work so well.

It's hard to describe the music.  It's full of hooks, unusual percussive sounds and those wacky vocals.  It sounds acoustic but is actually very potent, made all the more stark by the lack of a bass guitar. I keep coming back to it and I keep hearing more of the performance. There's a rich depth to it.

It's easier to describe the recording.  Massively dynamic, the impact of each song is undeniable with much space which further highlights the vocals and percussion.  It also has a sound signature which is unique to the acoustic of the studio used.  This is easily one of the best recordings I know and sounds utterly fantastic.  Not even their subsequent albums have such a visceral sound.

Listen to Dissolve Me loud!