7/10

Ever since they dropped their self-titled debut album back in 2012, Michael Lovett's NZCA LINES project has always looked to become one of the more innovative names on the alternative electro-pop scene. Regularly dabbling in more adventurous and experimental realms than most, his aesthetic has been a wonderfully creative one as he always looks to find new and interesting ideas in which to explore. And after the strong support for his third LP 'Pure Luxury' in 2020, he returns once again with his new EP 'Universal Heartbreak', a release that gives us an insight of where his sound will be heading next.

With more emphasis on the emotive songwriting rather than its audacious production, 'Universal Heartbreak' aims to become his most intimate offering to date. With that broad and distinctive bounce still present throughout each of its four tracks, this new collection makes for a brilliantly fresh and invigorating listen from start to finish. Dabbling in some beautifully alluring textures this time around, he feels far more confident and assured in his direction here, giving us some wildly enjoyable bops in the process.

While the NZCA LINES sound has always been honed toward the brighter and more illuminating side of the scene, 'Universal Heartbreak' shows that he has far more to his material than a decent hook. He has layered each of these outings with an emotive coating that delivers something fresh and heartfelt at every turn.