7/10

Over these last few years, emerging outfit Bob's Dock have been quick to establish themselves as one of the more passionate names doing the rounds. Taking their cues from the swaggering indie-folk aesthetic of the 60s and 70s, and rebranding them for a modern ear, their tenure to date has been this wildly explorative one that always looks to add something new and interesting to their ever-evolving direction. And with plenty of innovation and self-discovery under their belts recently, they are back once again to deliver their vibrant new studio album 'The Mystic', a record that continues to strengthen their already immersive aura.

Right from the very start, 'The Mystic' looks to pull you in with its rich and electrifying textures. Kicking off with the heartfelt 'Don't Look Back', the record continues on this broad and explorative journey that looks to integrate as many rich and flourishing atmospheres as it can. The result is a beautifully arranged and composed full-length that takes their sound from these humble upstarts to something brimming with vigour and passion at every turn, a style that totally suits the progressive intentions they have been cultivating up until now.

While they are certainly a group that wear their influences firmly on their sleeves, 'The Mystic' still manages to carve out a distinctive niche for itself, adding this flair for euphoric songwriting as often as possible. They may still be riding the peripheries of the scene right now, but this new material sees them push those underground appeals as far as they will go.

Bob's Dock will release their new album 'The Mystic' on the 9th May.