8/10

After receiving huge amounts of critical acclaim for his 2014 self-titled debut record, US blues rocker Benjamin Booker has now returned with its highly-anticipated follow-up 'Witness'. An album that aims to not only improve on the sound of its predecessor, but also offer something different in the process.

While his debut was solidly focused on Booker's own soul roots and subtle songwriting, 'Witness' looks to up the ante volume-wise, and deliver a sophomore release with more energy and exuberance than before. And while fans of his first LP will still notice plenty of callbacks to that release, especially with the clap-along gospel style of title-track 'Witness', the album is obviously trying to bring something new to the table this time around, which works in his favour the majority of the time.

It may not have that same raw power of the first, but it certainly allows us to see a new side of Booker's personality. A strong continuation of his sound with all the hallmarks of a truly great musician and songwriter.