8/10

Ever since they first broke through with their dazzling debut LP 'A Wolf In The Doorway' back in 2015, acclaimed indie-folk duo The Ballroom Thieves have always looked to maintain a fresh and effervescent flavour with everything they do. Usually exploring a more humbled approach to production, their catalogue to date has been filled with rich and emotive delights that have seen them move from strength to strength over the years. And after the rousing response to their 2022 effort 'Clouds', they are back once again with their fifth studio album 'Sundust', a record that builds upon that illustrious legacy throughout.

Doubling down on the warm and sombre tones they are known for throughout this new release, 'Sundust' sees them reemerge on the scene with a truly spellbinding array of delights here. Featuring the previously shared gems 'Casual', 'Tender' and 'Right On Time', this new ten-track collection sees them spread their creative wings further than ever. Cultivating this beautifully alluring bed of passionate production across each outing, The Ballroom Thieves find themselves in their most assured and confident guise to date.

Although plenty has already been said about their accomplished sound in recent years, it is brilliant to see that they remain very much in control of their progressive aesthetic once again. 'Sundust' is not just a fresh and vibrant addition to their explorative repertoire, but also sees them enter a new and revitalised phase within their musical evolution to date.