9/10

Despite her fantastic debut album 'Lush' arriving in early 2012, Japan-born but New York-based frontwoman Mitski Miyawaki has proven herself to be one of the most constantly competent and prolific songwriters working in music today. As she returns this year to release her fifth full-length to date, the singer seems almost incapable of making a bad record as she continues on her journey of euphoric alt-pop that channels the likes of St. Vincent on her latest release 'Be The Cowboy'.

From the start, this new album looks to crack you over the head with its instantly noticeable opener 'Geyser', a single that sets the tone but not the style of this new full-length. From there, we are treated to a heady mix of tortured guitars ballads, wistful serenades and the occasional uplifting brass break as she makes her most cohesive record to date. Each track beautifully transitions into the next, making for an incredibly easy listen that never tries to release you from the moment she is creating.

In all, 'Be The Cowboy' is one of those rare albums that comes along and really gets under your skin. With a strong and commanding presence at the centre of the release, Mitski manages to captivate you throughout and delivers one best LPs of her career so far.