Element Of Surprise are an act worthy of pretty much any accolade thrown at them. Talented, unique and technical, this band have already managed to craft a sound undeniably all their own and fortunately for them it is one that nearly any other act would be hard pressed to ever imitate as the level of musical ability required is near astronomical - not bad for a band only two demos into their career. Sure there have been a few bumps along the way but the group have managed to stay their course, even with original band guitarist Raye Medeiros leaving the fold and subsequently being replaced by Pat Garner of Nuclear Rabbit fame. For those keeping score, this now marks the bands roster at three Nuclear Rabbit alumni alongside one former member of Tribal Disco Noise, and with old connections being newly forged, the musical cognition between the trios instruments is nothing short of impeccable.

"U:pside Down" is indeed a revelation for this impressive quartet, building upon the basics of their last effort and successfully launching off of them into the stratosphere, with the increased guitar contributions of Garner and the more accessible and confident vocal delivery of band frontman Andy Slipka really propelling the songs forth. Ultimately still a very intricate and rhythm section driven band, the quick and precise drumming performance and monster bass lines of Jean Baudin's spider like 9 string bass fretwork are still the key component and pivotal force behind the bands sound. But this aforementioned direction is beginning to change as "U:pside Down" finds the group at their most unified yet with the guitars and vocals strongly asserting themselves and fully adding their own imprint to the material on hand.

To create such an enjoyable and innovative blend of music is no easy task, especially in this day and age. But to do so with such skill, emotion and talent, without catering to the current trends is mind boggling. Such are the song equations Element Of Surprise present here and with tracks like "Identity Crisis" showing potential for immediate commercial success while still remaining staunchly progressive and heavy; This group look to have a long and fruitful career ahead of them if a label ever decides to pull its head out of its ass and realize that a unique artist will turn heads a lot faster than another contrived rock radio clone. From bass tapping and slapping, to emphatic vocals, double kick drumming and edgy distorted riffs, Element Of Surprise have crafted a sound strong enough here to warrant another addition to music's proverbial periodic table - now let's just hope they get recognized for it.