8/10

After the rapturous response to their highly-praised studio album 'VILLAIN' last year, Austin-based duo MISSIO took to 2023 with a vibrant ambition. Dubbed the Cinco EP series, the pair have spent much of the last few months turning out a wealth of broad and dynamic releases, including the previous offerings 'I Am High' and 'I Am Sad'. Now embarking on their third instalment 'I Am Awesome', they look to see out this year with one of their most triumphant efforts to date.

Building upon the distinct themes that each of these new EPs look to embody, this new five-track collection explores the more euphoric side to their sound to date. With each cut a bigger and more anthemic delight than the previous one, 'I Am Awesome' is a broad and cacophonous example of their most uplifting guises. Moving with an immaculate finesse from start to finish, MISSIO have made this year a brilliantly inventive one to remember.

While their work these last few months have certainly seen them in a more adventurous state, 'I Am Awesome' is definitely the icing on a wonderfully expansive cake. With passion and vigour the core behind their newest EP, it already feels like 2024 could see them go even bigger.