Groundloop represents something of a return to form for the Humberstone brothers, being neither a concept album (a la last year's Lingua) nor part of their Optical Music series of classic silent film soundtracks. This is vintage ITN -- strong, emotionally charged orchestral themes driven by intense percussion. The mental images evoked by cuts like "Chronicle" and the "Groundloop" are so pervasive that you'll have a hard time believing there's no film to accompany them.

And really, why isn't there a film? Klive and Nigel have been making their music for seventeen years now, during which contemporaries like Graeme Revell and (to broaden the category significantly) Danny Elfman have become highly sought-after composers. Yes, ITN's music has found its way into TV and films, but not to the degree it deserves. On the bright side, because they're not bogged down with lots of high-profile film work, the Humberstones have time to make albums like Groundloop.

There's definitely an established ITN sound, and it's adhered to fairly closely here, though with distinct refinements. ITN's steadily growing palette of instruments has increased the depth and complexity of Groundloop's compositions -- note the plaintive flute on "Allegory", the guitar on "Imparator" and the deeply layered explosion of activity on "Hymn Noir". Electronic elements explored on Lingua, Deco and the Les Jumeaux side projects are integrated with increasing success, and vocalist Dolores Marguerite C. gets more exposure than ever as ITN moves toward a more "traditional" use of lyrics. As always, the group's ability to convey quiet, restful moments, sudden and intense activity and the heart-racing transition between those two states will give you the shivers. Sweeping majesty and exquisite beauty are here, in copious quantities.

If your mind's eye has a theater, think of Groundloop as the coming attraction.