8/10

Ever since she first emerged, Charli XCX has always been one to lead the charge in the ever-evolving pop landscape. Usually blending her commercial ambitions with whatever fresh and interesting idea has began to permeate the mainstream, she has quickly earned a reputation for a forward-thinking attitude that is never afraid to explore innovative aesthetics. And while her previous LP 'Crash' was probably her most revered to date, she is now looking to get back to a more club-focused sound on 'brat', a record that pulses with an adventurous spirit throughout.

Unlike almost anything her previous album was pursuing, 'brat' is this bold and energetic release that dispels almost every radio friendly ambition she has cultivated recently. Bringing together a wealth of notable producers including A. G. Cook, Gesaffelstein, Hudson Mohawke and many more to aid her in this newfound direction, her newest effort is a wonderfully refreshing return for her, building upon that dynamic endeavour she has always looked to cultivate.

While her tenure these last few years has probably been her busiest to date, 'brat' still manages to find something distinctive to call her own. Although moving in a different vein to her recent material, this new release is still Charli XCX through and through.