swedish duo i break horses (maria linden and fredrik balck) have turned in a good set with -hearts-, a nine track collection of distinctive synth-pop which, an increasingly cluttered genre notwithstanding, has enough of its own to say to deserve our attention. there is a jumbled intensity in their vision. mist-shrouded landscapes, dense subterranean beats, half-heard ghostly vocals. ms linden-s voice is often buried so deep in the mix that the words are obscured but this adds a satisfying sense of mystery and adventure to the proceedings. the quasi-psychedelic noodlings of -wired- is a particularly good example. elsewhere, -i kill love, baby- demonstrates a greater capacity for restraint. initially barely breathing, the piece has an affecting hymn-like quality but builds, layer-upon-layer, until ms lindens vocal entry gives the arrangement clearer focus and definition. although little more than a two-chord trick the results are surprisingly uplifting. -pulse- and -cancer-, too,continues the journey into dream-epic territory with their near-orchestral textures. (the latter is arguably the albums finest moment. a very beautiful moment). final track, -no way outro- , turns its face towards the sun bringing the project to a rousing close with a curious but powerful folsky optimism. as another summer reaches its last burning embers -hearts- will find a place in the frosts and fogs of another years end. autumnal music indeed. recommended.