Killing Heidi, Present:

(Sony)

It was almost four years ago that Killing Heidi recorded its debut album Reflector. It hit No 1 on the charts, scored the group four ARIA awards and set it up as the most promising band to emerge from Australia since Silverchair.

An older, wiser and tougher four-piece has recently emerged from the musical path it embarked upon those four years ago, to present its second album, Present. Rawer but more refined, it's an album well worth the wait.

Retaining the angst which gave Reflector its edge, the band offers a maturer sound with an innate optimism as well as its hard-worn aggression.

Expressing emotions the band members have experienced in the rock rollercoaster between albums, this is a journey album which is a journey in itself.

Using four short interludes or "Heidiludes" made up of electronic and atmospheric elements, the group succeeds in creating a 15-track release which really fuses together.

From the brooding The Days to the bouncy Sweat, the gutsier riff of Ammyl and the sweet sound of Heavensent, Present adds up to a brilliant album.