AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST

Are Virta the Nordic Talk Talk? Active since 2011, the Finnish three-piece make classy, moody and explorative music with jazz and electronic elements, and third album Horros (Svart) is simply exquisite. From stunning opener Aelita onwards, their cinematic soundscapes are studded with Antti Hevosmaa’s treated horns, glitchy percussives from Erik Fraki and minimalistic electric guitars by Heikki Selamo. Horros is their first record to feature the trio’s vocals, which add a haunting, human texture to their enchanting soundworld. Texas outfit Thirteen Of Everything return with their own pleasing, pretentiously titled third album, Time And Other Delusions (Basement Avatar). Theirs is a bright, busy brand of symphonic rock, with burbling Hammond organ, throaty guitars and characterful, hit-and-miss vocals from bassist Mick Peters and drummer Ted Thomas. Packed with melodic ideas, ambition…