7/10

As fans of artists, we sometimes take their presence for granted, but for every great record and show that a band puts on, there is usually turmoil and self-doubt that plagues the minds of today's musicians. This was the case for US outfit The Districts, who after playing more than 200 shows in support of their 2017 LP 'Popular Manipulations', found themselves facing a transitional period that was painful for both personal and professional reasons, leaving them fatigued and disoriented as a group. But after time to heal, they managed to produce their fourth full-length 'You Know I'm Not Going Anywhere', a record that looks to breathe life into the band.

Written as an escape from their own personal issues, 'You Know I'm Not Going Anywhere' plays with a certain level of dread within its walls. While it is ultimately intended as a romantic and reassuring release, there is this ever-present feeling of uneasiness that plagues its atmosphere, giving us a far rawer and more honest collection in the process. Juggling the idea of staying present while ultimately trying to disassociate simultaneously, the band have created a release that looks to find the human emotion within us all, one that wants to be sure of every consequence but can never be totally certain of anything.

While their focus and direction remains almost unaltered on here, 'You Know I'm Not Going Anywhere' feels like so much more than just another batch of songs from The Districts. There is something so personal about this album and makes for an engaging and captivating listen throughout.