8/10

To say that Feist has been largely silent since her last studio album would be an understatement. While 'Pleasure' marks her first full-length release since 2011, the frontwoman has spent the last few years keeping extremely busy with numerous collaborations and even a rumoured return to her formative band Broken Social Scene in the near future. But while her solo material in the past has always felt more like a fully-rounded musical outfit, this new work sees her more central to her own endeavours.

In the past, Feist has always been the voice at the front of a band. Whether it be guitars or strings, she has always propped up her own contribution with big, bold productions. Yet this new release sees a far more stripped back approach, with usually just a voice and guitar holding down the bulk of the sound. This more minimal direction from her doesn't seem too out of place though, as she displays great comfort and prowess with little backdrop, giving us a far more intimate listen than we have heard from her before.

While it may sound like this record is far removed from her back catalogue, strangely it manages to stay true to her formative sound, but instead moves on from it and evolves throughout. The songwriting is still as masterful as ever and gives us a more homely side the Feist experience.