8/10

When producer Sam Shepherd released his breathtaking debut album 'Elaenia' back in 2015, he found himself in the midst of an eccentric electronic boom. Arriving around the same time as Jamie xx's 'In Colour', the demand for wild and experimental electronica was at fever pitch and Floating Points quickly became a name that nobody could get enough of. So after a four-year break to find himself and work towards where he project should go next, he now returns with his sophomore effort 'Crush', a darker yet still exploratory adventure into the world of broken and abstract electronics.

Described by the producer as rage-fuelled release that channels his frustration of global politics, deforestation, Brexit and much more, he has looked to incorporate his anger at the world through his instrumentation rather than rely on lyrics to do it for him. Yet despite his intentions, this new collection still manages to create a warming and optimistic sentiment as it plays. Using lofty and ethereal synths punctured by erratic and spiked percussion, he has created a record that builds and swells at almost every turn, giving a pace of unpredictability and excitement throughout.

While it still couples wonderfully with his debut offering, 'Crush' certainly sees itself as the older brother to that previous collection. Adding a more mature and rounded edge to his productions, this new album is more about building upon his notable sound and just seeing where he can take it, resulting in a broader and grander release altogether.