7/10

When he originally broke through with his much-loved debut EP 'Good Nevers' in 2021, Irish artist Sour Blood instantly established himself as one of the more immersive names on the rise. Dabbling in a heady mix of brooding textures and impactful production gave him a sound that always managed to discover something new and interesting in which to explore. And after a run of mesmerising efforts these last few months, he is back once again to unveil his wondrous debut studio album 'SUAS', a record that continues that adventurous nature of his.

Very much akin to the warm and lofty appeal he garnered in his earlier years, 'SUAS' has this incredibly rich and absorbing direction to it. Bringing back more of that haunted aesthetic he had earned a reputation for, his newest endeavour gives him license to venture down some more atmospheric paths, delivering some incredibly broad and wondrous ideas as it plays. Self-described perfectly as "nocturnal balladry", Sour Blood finds himself in a brilliantly innovative guise as he looks to spread his creative wings as often as possible.

He may still be within the initial stages of his career right now, but 'SUAS' showcases some brilliantly inventive and original concepts here. Moving with this smooth and compelling flow throughout, Sour Blood is cementing himself as one of the more enthralling names on the rise with this one.