7/10

Ever since she arrived with her spellbinding debut LP 'Youth Novels' in 2008, Sweden's Lykke Li has always been one to explore the outer reaches of the pop realm. Dabbling with the occasional flurry of mainstream influences from time to time, she has created a direction that sits comfortably within a commercial arena, but maintains plenty of her own distinctive tropes as well. But as she moves into the next phase of her career, she seems to be leaving much of the pop aesthetics behind to deliver her fifth full-length 'EYEYE', a record that is more about exploring new ideals.

While she briefly opened up to the idea of a more atmospheric endeavour on her previous fuel-length 'So Sad So Sexy' in 2018, her newest collection sees her dive head first into a rich and ethereal guise that parks nearly all of the bouncing pop production at the door. Opting more for smooth and sweeping piano grooves that rarely even see any percussion added, 'EYEYE' is one of those rare, sombre releases that aims to mesmerise as often as possible. Her sweet and captivating voice remains the heart and soul of this offering as she swoons her way through this brooding array of light and airy compositions.

It may not be the biggest step outside of her usual avenue, but 'EYEYE' certainly stands out within her catalogue to date. It feels that Lykke Li is looking to break away from her formative self and offer something up within a more matured light, one that suits her to a tee.