'313' is the fourth album in two years from the mind of the magnificently-named Phideaux Xavier. A study of the booklet provides some insight in to how this particular mind thinks: basically lots of pictures of cats, dogs and mice in space which don't give many clues as to what the music might be like but it's probably a safe bet to say it might be slightly oddball. Essentially, the record merges prog and space rock with more than a hint of 1960's psychedelia but usually does so within the confines of a concise, yet strange melody. As is often the case with wayward talents, Phideaux is captured at his best the more straight-ahead his songs are. 'Sick Of Me' is an urgent pop/rock number in the manner of The New Pornographers' best work, 'Watching Machine' bears resemblance to The Secret Machines whilst the mournful, closing ballad 'Benediction' is another winner. Overall, '313' probably goes off on a few too many tangents to ensnare the casual listeners but it should keep the genre fans more than happy.