In a nutshell:  Fresh from seeing their only chart hit, 1997's sublime love song Gorecki, used to depict Nicole Kidman's inner thoughts in Moulin Rouge, Lamb unleash a third album of what used to be conveniently labelled trip-hop.

What's it like?  Lush, orchestrated coffee-table dance music. Lamb are like a less frantic Moloko, with Louise Rhodes' beguiling voice overlaying her partner Andy Barlow's matrix of beats, bleeps and strings. Sweet and Scratch Bass nod towards the dancefloor but generally, What Sound brings more pleasure to the brain than the feet. Which is also its weakness - an excess of studio boffinry detracts from the emotion that pulses through these songs.

How many good tracks?  Six, out of 11.

Best track:  Feel the goosebumps rise as heavenly ballad Gabriel builds to its cathartic crescendo.

Worst track:  Irritating, squelchy instrumental Scratch Bass.

Verdict:  For those who like to stroke their chin while tapping their feet.

rated:  * * * (out of 5)

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review:  Sarah Cohen

nicked from 'Heat', dated October 2001

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