7/10

Ever since the release of his stunning breakthrough debut LP 'Endtrouducing' in 1996, DJ Shadow has been one of the more consistent and revolutionary names in the modern hip-hop scene. While very much a powerhouse in the world of production, he has spent the last few decades redefining his own boundaries in pursuit of something new and interesting to explore with every release. And now looking to push the envelope once again, he delivers his eagerly-awaited seventh studio album 'Action Adventure', another wonderfully distinctive entry in his catalogue to date.

Unlike almost everything he has been developing in recent years, 'Action Adventure' chooses to shun collaborations this time around, marking his first fully instrumental release in more than two decades. But knowing what DJ Shadow has always been capable of, this new outing still manages to cultivate broad and innovative soundscapes that highlight almost every aspect of his diverse career to date. With each track an almost individual entity on this new release, he moves through each one with a casual grace, making for a wonderfully rich and immersive listen.

While harking back to his roots has certainly been a bold move for him, 'Action Adventure' shows that he is still very much on top of his creative game. With a fresh and ambitious pursuit throughout, DJ Shadow is still moving with the greats here.