The Black Ships.

The Black Ships consist of Verve guitarist and bass player Nick McCabe and Simon Jones, Goldfrapp and Colplay electric violinist Davide Rossi and former Portishead drummer Mig Schillace. This track, Strange Hours also features the extraordinarily haunting and hypnotic vocals of Diamanda Galas.

They've been together a little less than two years and have spent that time cultivating a direction and sound - and it's been two years very well spent. Like I said, this may or may not be the final mix of the song. Like the band, it's in a stage of evolution and something as adventuresome as this needs it's time to flourish. But I think you'll agree it's all worth it and we're in for some great music ahead.

Many grateful thanks to my good friend Mig for letting me hear this and say it was okay to pass it on to you. He's been talking about this for a while and he's been excited about it. Well, include me too.

And I hope you feel the same way.