7/10

Throughout the last twenty years, Nerina Pallot has cemented herself as one of the UK's most beloved and consistent songwriters. With countless awards and high-profile songwriting credits over the last two decades, she has managed to maintain this lofty aura around herself that has allowed her to transform simple melodies and harmonies into some truly memorable and heartfelt offerings. And after a five-year break to figure out her next move, she has returned with her eagerly-awaited seventh studio album 'I Don't Know What I'm Doing', a record that continues that vibrant identity throughout.

Like so many musicians during the pandemic, Nerina Pallot spent much of her time huddled away in her home studio, experimenting with new ideas and flavours that would eventually become 'I Don't Know What I'm Doing'. Developed over a three year period, she took inspiration for a diverse array of influences such as childhood memories as well as tales of fate and coincidence, leading to this wonderfully inventive release. Throughout this new full-length, she takes an adventurous route with instrumentation and production, allowing the collection to have this varied and eclectic appeal, while still holding itself under the traditional Nerina Pallot banner.

Nerina Pallot has always managed to conjure an incredibly easygoing feel within her work, and 'I Don't Know What I'm Doing' is no different here. Weaving an expressive web of shimmering cuts that breathe life and vivid imagery throughout, she has returned with a beautifully rich and alluring effort.