8/10

When Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever released their stunning debut album 'Hope Downs' in 2018, the group were instantly met with a wave of praise and acclaim that saw them become one of the world's biggest new names of that year. With a distinct yet progressive indie-rock sound, the record catapulted them to stardom across the globe, which obviously then led to enormous pressure when it came to creating the record's follow-up. But after just two years to figure out their next direction, they return with 'Sideways To New Italy', a narrative-led collection of captivating works.

Reading about the background of this new LP gives some great context into how it should be listened to. During the writing process, the songwriters in the band Joe White, Fran Keaney and Tom Russo each took it upon themselves to write individual portions of this new release, each aware that the theme should revolve around diverse characters from all around the world. And while many would assume that so many names writing the music would make for a disjointed full-length, they have all managed to deliver music that moves effortlessly alongside one another, making for a thoroughly enjoyable listen.

While it is easy to hear which member has written what throughout 'Sideways To New Italy', the level of healthy competition on their latest offering gives it a more urgent and direct feel than most would have expected. Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever have proven themselves once again and delivered a strong and memorable return.