The common problem with experimental bands is that you have to be in the right mood to listen to them. You can’t always be in the mood for Brain Salad Surgery, or jam-infused Mars Volta tracks. So it can be understandable that when presented with a band considered to be experimental, some people run a mile. PVT, originally named Pivot, are an example for this. But fortunately, they are also able to appeal to the casual listener.

PVT’s sound is very similar to that of Radiohead, during the Kid A-era. However, it is interesting to listen to the song structures. For most of these tracks, there is no simple “verse-chorus-verse” formula. Yes, these are present, but there are so many other interesting sounds that will intrigue.

The opening track, “Community” for example: very simple structure, but the subtle changes made to the song’s main melody, along with the strangey suitable choir singing, make it an early album highlight. Straight after is “Light Up Bright Fires”, which presents a change of pace. With it’s harsh bassline, it sounds much more digital and robotic, which is a complete contrast to the human element in “Community”’.

For those who don’t like long jammed-out tracks, there’s good news: the longest one is around 5 minutes. “Timeless” begins simply, before synths appear to compliment the low, paranoid, pulsating bassline. The vocal work, especially towards the end, give the song a unique schizophrenic feel.

Overall, PVT’s Church With No Magic is a commendable album. You won’t find it getting any airtime on radio stations though, so for first timers thinking of getting into experimental music, give this a try first. It’s almost guaranteed to ease you in.