7/10

For more than the last decade, German outfit Blackbird Rebellion have been keen to bridge the gap between the nostalgic elements of the alt-rock sound and its more contemporary counterparts. Delivering a heady mix of dynamic releases as far back as 2010, the five-piece have cemented themselves as one of the more enigmatic names doing the rounds, something that has been regularly noted on their offerings over the years. And with their previous release 'Rail Yard Tracks' turning plenty of heads back in 2019, they now make their long-awaited return to deliver their euphoric new EP 'Expedient Means', a collection that finds them back on top form throughout.

Once again exploring those rapturous riffs that made their earlier material such an impactful listen, 'Expedient Means' shows they are still brimming with plenty of fresh and exciting ideas in which to pursue. Opening up with the anthemic 'Backfire' before embarking on a more emotive tone for 'Blister On My Pinky Toe', this five-track outing finds them in a brilliantly explorative guise that never looks to try the same thing twice. Whether they are unleashing rip-roaring tenacity or offering a more sombre contemplation, Blackbird Rebellion always mange to maintain an engaging edge with everything they produce.

It may have been quite some time since we last heard any new music from them, but 'Expedient Means' shows they are still very much on top of their creative game right now. Brimming with this innovative and adventurous pursuit from beginning to end, they remain one of the more formidable forces on the underground music scene right now.