My favorite trio of synthed-up Brits returns with their third CD. While the band's first two releases introduced the trio's liberating synthesizer-based sound and took this booming cadence to maturation, the latest offering exudes an obvious strain of confidence while continuing with the analog/digital synth invasion.

For those unfamiliar with Add N to (X), imagine multiple synthesizers, robotic vocals and steady percussive backbeats all crashing together into a futuristic-sounding amalgamation of post-rock heroism. The band's equipment list sounds more like some sort of back-end to a computer network -- a Rogue Moog, Korg MS20, ARP 2600 and Synthi AKS all commingle in a complex creation of keyboard-centric ingenuity. If you know what all of these components sound like, you’re probably already in the band; otherwise, you'll just have to trust me as we continue down the path to keyboard nirvana.

The soft-porn styled video (see the band's website) works well with the would-be-single, "Plug Me In." This swaying, sexy number glides by on ambient waves as light percussion and throbbing low-end notes lock into a groove and bathe you in sensual rhythms. This could be the first documented case of stereo-sex! On the opposite end of the spectrum, "Brothel Charge" quickly sends forth a line of dominating keyboard banging that sounds like laser bursts. This speedy number will settle any argument that keyboards can't rock as hard as guitars, as our trio mercilessly destroys all peace and quiet in the vicinity. Overall, the band does a superb job of mixing up tempos and sounds as they tackle endless racks of equipment with a voracious appetite. Understanding how all these items work is their job; all you need to do is sit back and be immersed in another world.

If Dr. Who took the TARDIS to the music world of the 22nd century, or if perhaps Captain Kirk's crew came in contact with a race of humans that played un-rock, Add N to (X) would certainly be cast in central roles. After three albums, the band still has no equal; only they can provide the unique creative input that gives this aggro-ambient keyboard assault such striking results. Get in touch with the future now, and be assimilated by the hauntingly sophisticated, yet tangible blips, bleeps and boings of Ann, Barry and Steve.