HENGE

Alpha Test 4 (Cosmic Dross)

With all the love and respect in the world, Henge are basically a touring cast of Deep Space Nine characters playing eco-centric free party dance-pop, and if that sounds like something you’re into, as I am, they’re absolutely worth your time.

Their recorded stuff – Alpha Test 4 being the lastest – never quite hits the wonder and energy of their live sets, and this outing is no exception – one hazy memory of a wild night at Balter Festival in Chepstow told me everything I could know about what they are, and proved to me that they’re so much more than their studio output.

As it is, the songs of Alpha Test 4 will probably gleam when they’re toured this summer in the smoky tents of the UK and Europe, but they’re missing that crucial variety and depth to really stand out and make Henge the intergalactic sensation they ought to be.

words JASON MACHLAB