8/10

It is hard to believe that it has been a full eight years since Robyn released her last studio album 'Body Talk'. Although she has been keeping herself busy with a number of collaboration in that time, including singing alongside Neneh Cherry and releasing the brilliant collaborative EP 'Do It Again' with Royksopp, this is the first time in nearly a decade that we have got to hear her back on her own terms and it seems that her latest full-length 'Honey' has gifted us with the same dark and alternative pop she has always looked to create.

While the record was previewed and opens with this uplifting and vibrant 'Missing U', much of this release sees her reject the upbeat disco influence of that introduction, opting for a more mood-driven release from there. Blending the subtle eccentricities of strings and keys over a bed on pulsing electro-pop throughout, this new album sees her return to her brooding and sombre roots that look to trigger strong emotions as you listen. Produced by many collaborators including Kindness' Adam Bainbridge and Metronomy's Joe Mount, the general tone of this record is of a warm and textured electronic release that maintains a solid and driven pace throughout.

It may have been a long time coming, but 'Honey' has certainly been worth the wait. While on paper it may sound like a more depressing release than we initially thought, Robyn's engaging energy and warm atmospheric style has seen this new collection move out of the shadows and become one of her best works to date.