8/10

Ever since he first emerged with the breakthrough debut LP 'Chaleur humaine' in 2014, Héloïse Letissier's Christine & The Queens project has always been seen as an explorative work focused around reinvention and self-discovery. And although the sophomore record 'Chris' pushed him further towards commercial success than ever before, there remains this explorative thread running through his work, giving him an almost chameleonic feel. So after taking on the Redcar moniker for the third outing 'Redcar les adorables étoiles' last year, he returns for the next chapter with 'PARANOÏA, ANGELS, TRUE LOVE', a record that continues that innovative streak.

While vastly different to what we got on his previous full-length, 'PARANOÏA, ANGELS, TRUE LOVE' is intended as a continuation to 'Redcar les adorables étoiles'. Described as the "second part of an operatic gesture", this new collection sees the artist venture further into a more ethereal guise, leaving behind some of the more pop-focused aesthetics of his previous material. Exploring a more atmospheric and euphoric intention this time around, he branches out into a multitude of diverse ideas that somehow still makes for a wonderfully cohesive listen as well.

Although it intends to be more experimental than some of his more popular efforts, 'PARANOÏA, ANGELS, TRUE LOVE' is still an incredibly easy record to digest and enjoy. Keeping the adventurous spirit as high as possible throughout, his newest release is another bold and fascinating step forward into his captivating direction to date.