8/10

Since his earliest beginnings, (Sandy) Alex G has always looked to deliver the most irreverent side to indie-rock as he possibly can. With a reliance on bold and experimental production, the frontman has spent the better part of the last decade pushing the boundaries of the indie-rock sound in order to create something both original and captivating to those that listen. Now onto his eighth studio album, and third for Domino Recordings, his new collection 'House Of Sugar' sees him refine these adventurous avenues and give us possibly his greatest record to date.

Opening up with the odd yet engaging track 'Walk Away', he makes it clear from the very start that while this remains an extremely high-profile release for him, he has not yet lost his touch at creating fascinating compositions. As from there we are treated to a wave of modestly produced but uplifting singles that look to push the envelope of his chosen direction once again. Keeping mostly to his own voice and an acoustic guitar, 'House Of Sugar' places Alex G firmly at the centre of this new release, with all other instrumentation adding a strong texture to each song but without overshadowing his own songwriting in any way.

(Sandy) Alex G may still remain a cult name of late, but this new record shows the quality and proficiency that he has always looked to generate in his music, leading with a more commercially favourable edge this time around. Its general atmosphere is so absorbing, you'll find yourself swept away in it without a second thought, proving his talents are almost unparalleled at this point.