Suddenly exploding onto the scene after a 22 year hiatus, My Bloody Valentine, the Irish alternative rock band, has released their third album, “m b v.”

 

In the early ’90s, they were at the forefront of the noise rock and shoegazing wave, known especially for their intriguingly solemn stage presence.

 

After only a few years on the scene and with only two albums under their belt, My Bloody Valentine disappeared from the music world until they began touring again in 2007, and then this year with their last-minute announcement of a new release.

To the casual listener, noise pop makes no sense. To be appreciated, it requires purposeful quiet and reflection. With “m b v,” the surreal vocals, radiant melodies and waves of electronic noise are layered and delivered beautifully.

 

The nine tracks are sonically divided into three parts. It flows from reflective, glittering guitar loudness such as in the track “Who Sees You,” to the keyboard-tinkling and vocally haunting tracks beginning with “Is This and Yes,” and finally a drastic dive into the mind-bending finale that can only be described as musical vertigo.

“m b v” is simultaneously a confusing and fantastic journey of the mind. It is a successful follow-up from My Bloody Valentine that continues their legacy as the leaders of the noise pop movement.