Reviewed by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

This is the keenly awaited follow-up to Pullman’s second album Viewfinder, released a whole quarter of a century ago.

In that time a lot has changed for the quintet supergroup, not least the diagnosis of drummer Tim Barnes with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. It was this that inspired his colleagues – Ken ‘Bundy K.’ Brown (Tortoise / Directions in Music), Curtis Harvey (Rex), Chris Brokaw (Come), and Doug McCombs (Tortoise / Eleventh Dream Day);– to get on with finishing and recording III, a task with which they were occupied from 2016 to 2023.

What’s the music like?

The press release gets it right, describing the ability of III to “carry forward the group’s signature intimacy and space while embodying the spirit of community that has always defined their work”. These different elements bring a natural push-pull throughout the album.

This is the shortest of the band’s three albums, and the quietest too – but if experienced in the right environment, III is still able to cast a spell.

An early blast of sound and distortion from Bray sets up Weightless, a shimmering tale of woozy guitars, subtle drumming and a musical structure like a densely packed hedge, through which can be glimpsed an active bass line, thoughtfully realised percussion and guitars blowing in the musical breeze.

Thirteen is in the wide open air, building up a head of steam with guitars and percussion on full, but then unexpectedly cutting to nothing more than a flickering candle, sustained by treble guitars and keyboard, which gradually subsides to silence.

October, meanwhile, is an enchanting study in long form, gradually spinning longer, arching melodic figures, before Kabul steps forward with a confidently picked guitar figure and a stronger rhythmic profile, momentum gathering through to the end.

Does it all work?

It does, and III is a rewarding listen, but its relatively short duration means the spell isn’t entirely cast.

Is it recommended?

In spite of the above, yes. III is often a sonic treat, its studies in sound and colour creating pictures that are consistently engaging.

Listen / Buy

Published post no.2,787 – Tuesday 3 February 2026