8/10

While making his name as the co-founder of abstract musical outfit Animal Collective, Panda Bear aka Noah Lennox has been far more prevalent as a solo artist in the last few years. His contribution to Daft Punk's 'Doin' It Right' from their 'Random Access Memories' album brought the producer international acclaim and saw him release a short EP at the end of last year. Now as he prepares to release his fifth studio album, and first through acclaimed indie label Domino, what have the last couple of years done to the producer's musical direction?

From the first listen, it is clear that Panda Bear has been looking to broaden his sound for this new release as the material seems to be far more experimental and eclectic this time round. 'Panda Bear Meets The Grim Reaper' still has that same lucid and atmospheric sound the producer is known for but has a far more electronically led approach to it. Mixing his own irreverent approach to production with a variety of songwriting methods has left the album feeling incredibly engaging and, despite its varied sound, keeps a sense of oneness throughout all the tracks on it.

It is certainly an impressive new release from this more than experienced producer and shows that his talent is more than capable of adapting and delivering a new sense of what he has grown into. Definitely some of his best work to date and a great inspiration to all other artists looking to do the same.