9/10

When singer and songwriter Lindsey Jordan aka Snail Mail first released her debut EP 'Habit' in 2016, she was just seventeen-years-old. And whenever we get an impressive new artist in their teenage years, there is always a lot of emphasis on their age and maturity alongside it. But despite the initial criticism, she immediately silenced all those unsure of her credentials with her incredible debut album 'Lush' in 2018. Now after a few years to figure out her next movement, she returns with her eagerly-awaited sophomore effort 'Valentine', a record that builds on the momentum of everything before.

There was no doubting the sheer vigour of her sound on 'Lush', especially given it being her first full-length release straight out of the gates. But on 'Valentine', it feels like she hasn't rested on her laurels but focused on delivering something even greater for us all. From the very start, this new collection showcases some of her most captivating and intrinsic songwriting to date, creating this warm and driven atmosphere that never stops inviting you in. There is this powerful aura around her persona now, something that sees her break out of her singer-songwriter cocoon and flourish as an all-round artist in every regard.

We genuinely thought that 'Lush' would stand as one of her most beautifully written and awe-inspiring releases, but 'Valentine' blows it away at almost every opportunity. There is something extremely remarkable about her presence on this return, an aesthetic that she has forged herself and delivered through elegant simplicity.