8/10

After more than eight years since her first solo release, Swedish artist Karin Dreijer aka Fever Ray made a surprise return this year with the release of her latest single 'To The Moon And Back', and now without any warning, she drops her long-awaited second studio album 'Plunge'. And for those that are familiar with the warped-out and psychedelic electronics of her debut, this will certainly not disappoint.

While she has obviously kept up her unique musical perspective by being one half of The Knife, Dreijer is now looking to create more of a name for herself outside of her better known outfit. From the off, 'Plunge' looks to make an impression on the listener. The opener 'Wanna Sip' seems straight out of The Knife's catalogue, with its bold and interesting production, but then moves swiftly on through a whole range of emotions and moods to create a release with a more eclectic nature than we would have expected.

Fans of her work will obviously be delighted with this record, and as an introduction, newcomers will also find plenty to enjoy on this. 'Plunge' seems to see itself less as a return and more of a fresh start, and that shows the attitude of intent that this may not be the last time we hear from Dreijer for another eight years.