Having already collaborated with one of our favourite hotly-tipped singer-songwriters of the year in Newbury's Frances, anonymous London three-piece R I T U A L certainly have earned our undivided attention. Still without a label - as far as we know - 'Instinct' is their new tightly-wound pop song - a soulful "nod to soul and UK garage," or so the band say, it's got a real natural feel to it with blossoms of bass and sweet vocals flaring up here and there. We might never get to know the real R I T U A L, but everyone can be content in basking in these exceptionally well-formed pop songs. - DC