With heavy traces of Placebo and other like-minded, goth-metal boys, Ariel-X are a devastatingly spandex-tight act.

With a fragile singing persona, the frontman sings of needing a sign, how the sands of time are dripping, deprivation, hurt and the odd, ambiguous rendezvous, he is accompanied by a perfectly formulated rock band that leaves nothing to the imagination.

The raucous and razor-edged guitars are classically blended with a full and vibrant bass and multi-dimensional drum kit. Hits include Ctrl-Alt-Delete and Vow.

If you're looking to buy something dark yet accessible that hasn't been released over five years ago, this is a good place to start.