7/10

As the bassist for indie-rock stalwarts Mystery Jets over the last two decades, Jack Flanagan has been no stranger to adapting to the times. Throughout the band's tenure, they have seen members come and go, and found themselves in numerous reinventions to keep up with what their fanbase expects of them in any era. But after a quick flurry of singles from him throughout the last few months, it was clear that he is looking to break away from his formative guise, and now delivers his debut solo album 'Rides The Sky', a record that sees him explore a multitude of new ideas.

From the very start, 'Rides The Sky' sets itself as a diverse and explorative release. As an artist that has spent much of his career behind a frontman, breaking out to discover his true voice was clearly a fun and enjoyable experience for him given the broad depth of this new full-length. Spinning largely between bedroom-pop aesthetics and a more cosmic and psychedelic appeal to atmosphere, his first studio effort sits as a fresh and loveable collection that aims to highlight the expansive array of other artists that have influenced and inspired him over his life.

There are nods to David Bowie, Pink Floyd, and countless others threaded within this new release, providing 'Rides The Sky' with a familiar yet distinctive flow. It may not have the same sheer impact that some of the singles gave off, but still makes for an enticing listen from start to finish.