Too many bands misconceive shrieking vocals as an expression of feeling when, rather than establishing a connection with the listener, this alienates them from the actual context of the track. Here is a band that are able to create intricate passages of music whilst also having the ability to rock out without losing the melody, and do not have to scream to express their emotions.

Kent based Motion Picture Soundtrack first came to the fore with the Departure EP in September 2009, which garnered a large amount of critical praise for their ability to craft widescreen epics which manage to channel the head and heart in equal measures. What marks them out from the current rock ensemble is how accomplished their music is. They understand how to build tension within their complex song structures, and have the ability to allow the melodies to soar to create lush soundscapes.

Their debut album proper signals a darker and heavier direction, which suits them down to the ground, with their still epic sound now fleshed out with sweeping strings. The first striking thing about this outfit are Alastair Blackwood's vocals, which brings to mind Jeff Buckley. The Shapes We Fear Are Of Our Own begins with 'Make It through the Night', which represents a stunning opener to an album which soon proves to be full of heartfelt rock epics. This track proceeds on to the urgent rock of 'Departure', and the tender 'I Clipped Your Wing', which could break even the coldest heart with its piano refrain and its almighty crescendo as it reaches the climax. This effect is also used for 'These Strings that tie to you'. The single 'Glass Figures' shows off the band's experimental side, recalling an earlier Muse. This represents the band rocking but always managing to focus on the melody. The album ends how it began with the beautiful, majestic 'When the Lights Go Out', which ensures their carefully crafted melody lingers long after the music has finished.

Of course with such an accomplished album there has to be a criticism, which is that while The Shapes We Fear Are Of Our Own highlights Motion Picture Soundtrack's ability to craft soaring rock anthems, their experimental tendencies are largely left in the background in order to create their beatific soundscapes. If they only worked harder on creating complex structures around their melodies they could become a real tour-de-force. This is a minor iniquity however in an album that manages to consistently produce widescreen epics of swooning majesty, and has enough ambition to join the major leagues of British indie.