To some, Jason Pierce may be just another singer from the Nineties with hair like an Afghan hound.

The more discerning music listener however, will know he is the guiding force behind the innovative band Spiritualized.

The group have seen the coming and going of numerous members as well the regular acquisition of orchestras, brass bands and gospel choirs.

It is Jason Pierce, aka J Spaceman, who holds them together.

His obscure lyrics and talked-about personal life has always created an air of mystery about the band.

Spiritualized are most widely known for their 1997 album Ladies And Gentleman We Are Floating In Space.

The record became a best seller as well as being passionately championed by critics from The Guardian to NME.

Much of the band's life since then has centred on touring and it is as a live band that they create the most excitement.

Gigs such as those at the Glastonbury Festival and The Royal Albert Hall have become legendary.

Not ones to skimp on drama, Spiritualized also played two one-off shows in 1998, one at The World Trade Centre in New York and the official Highest Show on Earth at Toronto's CN Tower.

They are now set to release their fifth studio album, Amazing Grace.

Jason explains: "I made a decision from the outset that this record would not be processed.

"Once we had done the sessions I tried to refrain from embellishing anything.

"These are the songs in the most unaffected state that we could record them.

"The band have tried to capture the live sound that they are renowned for.

"To achieve this, each track was recorded live."

The result is a return to the rockier, guitar-based sound of Spaceman Three, Pierce's previous band.

Jason's favourite band at the moment are The White Stripes who have also rejected over-production, which is ramapant in today's music in their album.

It will be interesting to see how Spiritualized sit with this new breed of rock 'n' roll but, judging by the incredible amount of respect they have built up over the years, they have no need to worry too much.

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