2010's 'Circle of the Sun' received critical acclaim, both nationally and internationally, and Hamilton psychedelic/stoner/doom legends Arc of Ascent have surpassed the high expectations set by that debut with this majestic sophomore long player. Comparisons to Sleep would be justified, if a little reductive; from the classic rock elements of Land of Tides to the byzantine and harmonic minor guitar melodies of Elemental Kingdom, 'The Higher Key' is a deeply layered and fully realised recording.