Out of the sonic ether emerges Empire, the third album from Australian daydreamers* Telemetry Orchestra*.

In the past the band have notched up radio play on some of Australia’s best known radio stations, including ABC and JJJ. But now they are doing the rounds with kaleidoscopic 'Stawberry Fields'-esque single 'Under The Cherry Tree', featuring Steve Scott’s spaced out vocal hook. Currently, this song can be seen canoodling with an animation in video podcast form and is a splendid induction into Telemetry's world of silent movies, moustaches, far-out Eastern landscapes and '60s psychedelia. But if you thought all this added up to a retro sound, you would be mistaken: Telemetry Orchestra also gaze boldy into the future, featuring a strong electronic presence that ranges from warm and fuzzy analogue synths to strict electronic beats. There are also guitar sounds that creep in, like on the fluffy but trumpety 'Miles Away' and the harmonious breeze of 'Face It Now'.

The main feeling that Empire imbues is the fluidity of consciousness, along with a driving, carefree attitude and a need to go on laidback sofa-surfing excursions into multi-coloured synesthetic realms. Other musicial projects that invoke a similar reaction and are reminiscent of the TO sound include Air and Broadcast, particularly when Charlotte Whittingham steps up to the mic. There are also the obvious Stereolab comparisons, mainly because of the traces left behind by the synth loops on songs like 'Inside (Watching)' and 'Flicker'. Even The Chemical Brothers' 'The Private Psychedelic Reel' springs to mind on 'Hazy Elevator', and then there is the '90s house anthem 'Voodoo Ray' that is hinted at on 'Pimlico', but this time round it’s like A Guy Called Gerald’s younger dub brother taking its helm.

If you like lounging around, thinking creatively and going on musical trips then Telemetry Orchestra are right up your smoking jacket street. If sometimes you need a break from the hectic demands of daily life but can’t afford to go anywhere exotic, then arm yourself with suitable bubble bath means and a copy of_ Empire _to create the perfect atmospheric shortcut.