7/10

When Shura released her debut album 'Nothing's Real' in 2016, it was met with this overwhelming sense of intimidated anxiety, as if the idea of the frontwoman baring her soul for all to hear was a daunting task that led her to create a wealth of wonderfully poised and emotional singles. But after three years away, the Manchester-born singer has grown in confidence since then, and now returns with her sophomore album 'Forevher', a collection of breezy and laid-back summer jams that see her emerge as a more well-rounded and assertive individual.

While the dramatic shift in tone may be the most noticeable aspect of this new release, she has still managed to fill the record with this poignant energy that at times mirrors the intentions of 'Nothing's Real'. Taking cues from the self-proclaimed "sad pop" songstress Lykke Li, this new full-length sees her create a juxtaposition between the obviously bolder and more uplifting production and her own subdued style of singing, resulting in an album that has allowed her to grow comfortably within her own skin and pursue exactly the kind of music she wants to create.

It may not have the same instant impact of her debut, but 'Forevher' is a strong and confident return from an artist that we have always looked to support. Shura is evolving out of her formative guise and with music as beautifully composed as this, we can only imagine where she will be looking to go next.