7/10

Since the release of her last studio album 'One Breath' back in 2013, it is far to say that the world around us has changed quite a bit. Not just the rise of political tensions around the world, but how people choose to express and identify themselves as well. Given that Anna Calvi's music in the past has always been focused on a detached songwriter who looks at society as an outsider, this new release sees her more confident than ever as she brings her own perspective to the topics of gender and sexuality on her latest full-length 'Hunter'.

Musically, this new album trends a similar vein to her previous material. Her gothic sensibilities and forlorn demeanour remain the staple sound of this new record, but with a larger focus on who she is as an individual means that we more connected to her than we have ever been before. Tracks like the opener 'As A Man' and 'Don't Beat The Girl Out Of My Boy' stand as the pinnacle of personal attitude on 'Hunter', channeling Calvi's own opinions about gender fluidity that not only send a positive message about inclusivity, but also brings out the raw passion in her songwriting.

It may have been a long time in the making but 'Hunter' was definitely worth the wait. By keeping the record's themes cemented in today's zeitgeist, the frontwoman has delivered her most engaging release to date and shown that timing is a vital element in producing the best material.