8/10

Following on from her extremely well-received and Mercury Prize winning album 'Let England Shake', PJ Harvey has once again looked to deliver an album that is simply more than a collection of tracks. Recorded as part of an art installation at Somerset House last year, 'The Hope Six Demolition Project' was inspired by her time spent with Seamus Murphy, a war photographer whom she travelled with to Kosovo, Afghanistan and Washington DC between 2011 and 2014. As a result, this album's clear provocation is to shine a light on people and places blighted by conflict.

PJ Harvey has always had one foot in the political spectrum but this new release sees her fall completely into the notion, as she becomes a voice to the individuals in those communities. While her lyrical content is clearly what she wants us to focus on in this new release, the quality of production and songwriting is still incredibly engaging. With its distorted riffs and driven pace, Harvey has managed to make an album that is both a pleasure to listen to and challenging to take in.

Fans of PJ Harvey will be glad that she has returned on top form, although it would be easy to guess that some may find her concept release a little too preachy in places. Nevertheless, 'The Hope Six Demolition Project' is the perfect return for such a divisive artist.