Nothing, inserted in parentheses, is an attention-grabbing, if not pretentious, title for a remarkable album.

'( )' is the third album from the Icelandic band Sigur Ros, and one that is hard to bracket. The band sings in an invented language called 'hopelandish', something even the band's Icelandic kin can't understand.

The result is lyrics that may as well be instruments, think Kate Bush but better.

The band's first album was also unpronounceable. Agaetis Bryjun was cited as inspiration for Radiohead, and a Sigur Ros tune even appeared on the soundtrack for the eerie Vanilla Sky.

'( )' is splendid, it sounds new age and spiritual without being sickly sweet or boring. The band is doing their best to break the mould and they're doing it well.

'( )' Globes out of '( )' ETM