8/10

After releasing his tenth studio album 'Poison Season' back in 2015, it seemed that Destroyer aka Dan Bejar had finally found his stride. After a great career of releasing incredible indie-rock records, that last full-length really saw him peak as a songwriter and so it should only go that his follow-up should keep to the same direction. Thankfully the frontman has kept true to his path and returned with another fantastically diverse release.

But while 'Poison Season' saw him mainly stick to these larger than life, anthemic cuts, 'ken' is more of a two-sided record. While the same traditional approach to songwriting remains, its production and use of instrumentation creates a far more eclectic sound this time around. Adding more of an electronic edge in places, the album sees him on a more experimental trip by mixing up the sonic expectations of each track while keeping the mood and emotional intention of each track consistent throughout.

It may not have the same succinct feel of 'Poison Season', but it still manages to evoke the same feelings through his incredible songwriting. 'ken' is certainly a great introduction if you aren't familiar with his work to date, and sees him continue as one of the most proficient artists working in the world today.