7/10

Over the last decade, Lana Del Rey has cemented herself as one of the more captivating and proficient artists working in the world today. Since the release of her breakthrough sophomore album 'Born To Die' in 2012, she has delivered one stunning collection of lovelorn delights after another, creating this rich and magnetic aura around herself ever since. But has recently entered an extremely prolific era as she follows up her recent full-length 'Chemtrails Over The Country Club' from March to share her eighth studio album 'Blue Banisters', a record that continues to see her grow.

Usually when we come across a new Lana Del Rey LP, there are certain elements that we can expect. She has developed such a strong grasp of her sound that any new music she releases is easily distinguishable from other artists, yet still remains powerful in its presentation. This is exactly what we get on 'Blue Banisters' as she looks to channel the same forlorn atmosphere she is known for, but even more stripped-back than usual. The absence of bold production throughout this new effort instantly conjures a more ethereal and haunted artist at the helm, something that we have heard her dabble in the past but never to the lengths on here.

It certainly feels like 'Blue Banisters' was an effort to push her out of her comfort zone, letting her voice become the sheer focus of the release and opening herself up even more than previously expected. It may not have the same vivid imagery as her recent material, but still maintains plenty of rich and alluring compositions pushing her sound forward ever more.