WELCOME back to the dark side. The much-anticipated third album from those Lords of the underworld Richard Fearless and Tim Holmes more than lives up to expectations.

After such stunning albums as Dead Elvis and The Contino Sessions, the pressure was on D.I.V to produce. If they felt it, it doesn't show. As with the last record, an interesting selection of vocalists appear, all of whom, even Paul Weller, instantly sound right.

Liam Gallagher's vocals, on title track Scorpio Rising, show what Oasis are missing out on by refusing to shift from their tried and tested formula. D.I.V's skills lie in building up a tune sound by sound until it forms one euphoric crescendo, as illustrated by the closing track, Help Yourself.

With Hope Sandoval's vocals and Dr L Subramaniam's Indian input, this tune is like flying through the clouds on a summer day. Scorpio Rising doesn't better D.I.V's other albums, but it comfortably joins them among the ranks of modern masterpieces.

Updated: 08:53 Thursday, September 26, 2002