8/10

Over a decade after their early explorations in sound, The Double Headed Seagulls return with 'Play Artful', a collection that feels both familiar and refreshingly unpredictable. Drawing from forgotten cassette tapes and studio experiments dating back to their 2011 release 'Slimline', producer Dave Wirth has reshaped fragments of the past into a vibrant, forward-looking EP. Where their earlier work leaned into grit and intensity, this offering pulses with an infectious sense of curiosity, blending intricate synth textures with jazz-infused guitar lines that twist and ripple through every track.

'Play Artful' thrives on contrast, where lo-fi electronics sit alongside lush, ambient washes, while melodic improvisation dances atop propulsive rhythms. Each song feels meticulously handcrafted, yet retains the spontaneous energy of discovery, as if he is uncovering new possibilities with every layer. The playful, almost childlike character of the compositions reveals an artist unafraid to embrace experimentation without losing their distinct voice.

'Play Artful' also excels in how it balances the cerebral and the emotive. Moments of sparkling, airy synths evoke wonder, while the interweaving guitar modulations provide a tactile, human touch that grounds the release in feeling. This is an EP looking to transform the sounds of the past, offering us a renewed sense of excitement and imagination.

In an era where much music feels polished and predictable, The Double Headed Seagulls has crafted a collection that is unpredictable, joyful, and utterly alive, confirming his place as an innovator in the indie-electronic landscape.