4/10

Since releasing her first studio album 'To Sing You Apple Trees' back in 2006, Norwegian singer and composer Jenny Hval has always looked to develop her own unique path within music. Mixing a high level of abstract songwriting and multifaceted production methods, her latest full-length 'Apocalypse, Girl' looks to continue the evolution of her own sound, but it isn't all that easy to get your head around.

Opening up with a quote from Danish poet Mette Moestrup on the track 'Kingsize' sets not only a tone but a precedent of what this new album is aiming to do. But rather than engage with the listener to draw you in, it seems to have this unstructured approach to its rhythm that at times feels overly self-indulgent. In places, this style seems to fit well but with so much flipping between harmonious singing over glorious soundscapes and broken poetry, you do feel a massive disconnect with the music itself.

While it is still a pleasant listen for the most part, there just seems so little of an emotional connection in her music. And that leaves it feeling very forgettable by the end.