8/10

Over these last few months, London-based artist Drew Thomas has grown from a promising indie-rock upstart into one of the more exciting names on the rise right now. While always one to explore the more vibrant areas of the genre, his recent run of form has seen him truly break out of his shell and deliver some of his most impactful offerings to date. And with that buzz around him continuing to grow, he now looks to cement this era within his sound with his eagerly-awaited new EP 'Watershed', a collection that proves exactly why so many have been flocking to him lately.

While previous singles 'Gemini', 'Do They Even Know You?', and 'I'm Sorry (You're Lonely)' gave us a strong idea of what to expect, 'Watershed' doubles down on those anthemic ideals from start to finish. Sitting somewhere between glossy pop-rock aesthetics and a more rugged approach to guitar-driven production, this six-track collection finds him in stellar form throughout. Whether it is the soaring Blur-esque moments or a more lovelorn direction, Drew Thomas takes it all in his stride to create a diverse but still cohesive offering.

It has certainly been a busy and productive time for him lately, and hearing 'Watershed' showcases the very best of his sound to date. Rarely does an emerging artist manage to pack in as many compelling hooks as Drew Thomas, but his sheer flair for engaging songwriting is on full display here, establishing him as a true innovator on the rise.