8/10

When they originally emerged during the shoegaze/post-punk explosion of the late 80s and early 90s, Slowdive were greeted as one of the more progressive names on the scene. Delivering three magnificent studio albums during their first four years on the rise, like so many others in their field, they found the popularity for their sound waining and ended up waiting a full twenty-three years before returning with their stunning self-titled comeback record in 2017. But now it seems that reunion wasn't just a blip as they are back once again with their eagerly-awaited fifth full-length 'everything is alive', a release that sees them in their most contemporary guise to date.

While that self-titled effort six years ago was certainly a way for them to revisit and rekindle some of that early ambition they first emerged with, 'everything is alive' feels far more like a continuation of intent. Almost everything about this new offering feels fresh and adventurous, not something we usually get from bands this late in their careers. From the very start, their newest collection captures this beautifully immersive atmosphere to broadens and swells throughout, making for a wonderfully captivating listen.

Slowdive may be one of just a handful of names from that mid-90s expedition, but it truly feels like they are more at home in this arena than the one they started in. 'everything is alive' is bold, dazzling, and jam-packed with plenty of passion and emotion, almost as if they are just getting started once again.