7/10

Over these last few years, Portland-based artist and producer Mary Knoblock has established herself as one of the more innovative names doing the rounds right now. Blending this heady mix of ethereal alt-pop soundscapes with a wildly adventurous approach to production has earned her countless praise and acclaim for her releases to date, all of which look to build upon the dynamic foundations she has been laying. And after one of her busiest and most prolific years to date, she now kicks off her 2025 with her wondrous new album 'Spiritus', a collection that broadens those immersive textures once again.

Continuing to explore more of that rich and effervescent aesthetic she has become synonymous for since she first emerged, 'Spiritus' makes for a beautifully warm and inviting listen. Opening up with the previously unveiled single 'Excuse Me While I Go Fall In Love', which sets both the pace and tone for the forthcoming LP, this fourteen-track offering finds her in one of her more explorative guises to date. Whether she is embarking on a fast-paced and kinetic energy, or looking to lure us in with some more sombre tones, Knoblock looks to captivate and inspire with every note here.

She has certainly left a lasting impression on the new music scene over the years, but 'Spiritus' shows there is still plenty of inventive ideas coursing through her right now. Never repeating or relying on its laurels as it plays, Mary Knoblock continues to cement herself as one of the more spellbinding names on the ascent with this one.