7/10

After establishing themselves as the front-facing duo behind alt-rock trio Band Of Skulls for the last two decades, Russell Marsden and Emma Richardson have always had a wonderfully well-connected chemistry to their work. But with five studio albums with Band Of Skulls under their belt, they have recently begun to focus on their joint solo venture Marsden & Richardson, a project that couldn't be further from their formative sound if they tried. And so after a flurry of singles throughout last year, they have now delivered their self-titled debut album, a record that looks to break convention in the name of pursuing something more personal.

While Band Of Skulls was all about big riffs and powerful anthems, Marsden & Richardson sees them embark on a breezy and tender folk-pop direction, filled with all the usual context and textures the genre can provide. This new sound has been a personal vision for the pair for years, and it is clear from the start that their heart and passion has been drilled into each of these songs. With each offering showcasing an intimate avenue into the lives of those at the helm, we get to experience as wonderfully broad and inviting collection of alluring compositions that shows this new endeavour as an exciting addition to the fledgling scene.

From the very start, 'Marsden & Richardson' puts itself within an adventurous spirit. With an almost no-holds-barred approach to where the record takes us next, they have brilliantly revived the working relationship between them and delivered a truly memorable full-length in the process.