8/10

Throughout the 2010s, London-based trio Daughter were treated as one of the more inventive and adventurous names doing the rounds at that time. With a flurry of EP releases, two studio LPs, and a soundtrack for video game 'Life Is Strange: Before The Storm' all arriving between 2010 and 2017, they quickly established themselves as one of the more mesmerising names on the scene, before suddenly turning completely quiet. But after six years without so much as a peep from them, they now return with their long-awaited third studio album 'Stereo Mind Game', a record that looks to revive those original ambitions.

While a seven-year gap between records can sometimes be a jarring thing to come back to for many bands, in the case of Daughter, it is almost as if they are picking right back up where they left off. Continuing to explore more of that rich and atmospheric aesthetic they are known for, 'Stereo Mind Game' makes for a beautifully alluring return to form from start to finish. Capturing a range of sprawling textures that add depth and brevity to their riveting sound throughout, this new collection sees them return with more confidence and assurance than ever.

While there was probably little doubt they would return to these dynamic ideas from the off, given the quality of their output to date, 'Stereo Mind Game' still manages to surprise and captivate as often as possible. It may have arrived after an extended break from the group, but is clearly something they poured their heart and soul into at every turn.