8/10

When she released her stunning LP 'Already, Always' in 2021, Bess Atwell quickly cemented herself as one of the more enchanting singer-songwriters on the rise. With a rich and lofty appeal that perfectly heightened her mesmerising songwriting at every turn, she was heralded as one of the more alluring talents the UK was looking to bring to the wider world. And with years of acclaim and buzz since then, she now returns with her latest studio album 'Light Sleeper', a record that continues that vibrant ascent once again.

Joining forces with producer Aaron Dessner of The National, a firm favourite of Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran on their latest releases, 'Light Sleeper' looks to take the heartwarming aesthetics of her initial offerings and move them towards a brighter light throughout. While still very much in the same woozy vein she has always explored, this new material feels broader and more euphoric as it plays, giving her latest full-length a wonderfully electrifying appeal that elevates her already immersive persona.

Bess Atwell has always maintained a strong reputation for wondrous textures and tones, but 'Light Sleeper' feels like she is pushing that ideal as far as it will go. Warm and embracing from start to finish, 'Light Sleeper' could end up going down as her most revered release to date.