7/10

Usually going by the mantra Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, the frontman has opted to simply be known as Ariel Pink on his latest release, which seems to deliver on the same irreverent and anti-mainstream sound the musician has always looked to create. With a clear influence taken from the likes of The Cure and The Sister Of Mercy, his latest release 'Pom Pom' is probably one of the most leftfield and irreverent new albums we have heard all year.

Sounding like David Bowie with ADD, 'Pom Pom' is this mismatched collection of dark, brooding tracks that seem to have nothing in common but the need to leave you bewildered and confused. Whether its the unexpected tempo changed, the Depeche Mode-esque vocals or the pan-pipes, you can't say this new record isn't an interesting listen. But despite its clear intentions to distance itself from the listener, you can't help but want to hear what comes next. Its abstract style is actually its biggest appeal and the result is an album of brilliant musical ingenuity.

I think it is fair to say that Ariel Pink's approach to composition is very original, even if you can regularly spot where he has got his ideas from. It is probably one of the most unique albums of the year, despite how hard it can be to listen to.