All India Radio sculpt rich, trippy instrumentals that seem to add layers with repeated listens. “A Low High” is dense with hidden beats and atmospherics, yet airy and light as well. With help from legendary guitarist Ed Keupper (Nick Cave, Saints), Jen Anderson on strings and the pedal steel of Graham Lee, this third record is not only a return to their earlier ambient sound, but a mature, more confident version of it.

These thirteen songs keep an evocative pulse throughout, whether rising to quick peaks with the help of the guitars, or a moody shuffle joining into the groove, courtesy of the strings. “Black Satin,” “Under Moon” and “Lofi Groovy (mk mix)” work as well at a club as they would in a living room full of people who can barely stand up.

There is a richness of sound on “A Low High” that truly deserves a few spins before the magnitude kicks in. Yet even a cursory listen will move you and make you feel like today won’t be so bad after all. All India Radio know how to bottle euphoria and remix it into something deep but chill. This is a perfect record for a late summer drive, or for company on that low buzz of a drive home from the beach. 8/10 -- Mike Wood (22 July, 2009)