9/10

Since the release of his 2010 debut album 'Learning', producer and singer Mike Hadreas aka Perfume Genius has always had this yearning to be bigger and bolder than he seems in the current moment. As a musical sponge who seems to absorb the best and brightest sounds from a multitude of different genres, his records to date have been a solid and adventurous delve into his own personal obsessions, taking great strides at any given point. But it feels that he has finally reached his highest peak as he returns with album number five, 'Set My Heart On Fire Immediately'.

While listening to the preview singles from this new release, it almost felt like we had a handle on where this new record was going to take us. But even after the first few tracks, it is clear that Hadreas had more than a couple of tricks up his sleeve as 'Set My Heart On Fire Immediately' barrels from one aesthetic to another without care or pretence. It is this sharp and unexpected shift in gears that has made this latest collection such a joy to listen to from start to finish, giving us one of the most diverse and eclectic albums of the year so far and one that doesn't feel like it is trying to do too much at once.

Perfume Genius has always had this chameleon-like feeling to everything he produces, but with a consistently euphoric and optimistic approach throughout this new full-length, he has delivered a record that might well be his best to date. 'Set My Heart On Fire Immediately' may have its focus in the more ethereal moments, but still manages to pack in so much emotion throughout its exciting tracklisting.