8/10

Throughout his renowned tenure to date, progressive producer Jon Hopkins has always been one to skirt the peripheries of contemporary and more mainstream aesthetics. Creating this subtle blend of club-ready anthems and a more ethereal nature, his work so far has been this broad and sprawling pursuit of immersive tones that have all added something new and interesting to his ever-growing place on the scene. And after rekindling that reputation with 'Music For Psychedelic Therapy' in 2021, he returns once again with his seventh studio album 'RITUAL', a record that sees him stretch his creative wings further than ever before.

Very much akin to his more atmospheric endeavours in recent years, 'RITUAL' is this beautifully arranged and composed insight into his vibrant direction of late. Far softer and more tangible than what he originally made a name of producing, this new material feels like a bold step forward within his musical evolution to date. Creating these wonderfully woven and intricate offerings that blend seamlessly into one another throughout, he is returning with a truly absorbing new collection here.

It may feel like a strong departure from his more euphoric releases, but 'RITUAL' is more about the subtle eccentricities of his style rather than its bold and anthemic moments. The LP has this brilliantly endearing grace about it, one that is seldom seen amongst today's electronic artists.