7/10

Ever since they first emerged with their stunning breakthrough debut LP 'Earl Grey' in 2017, London's Girl Ray have always been one to skirt the outer peripheries of the commercial scene. While that release saw them emerge as a vibrant indie-pop collective, their 2019 follow-up 'Girl' saw them embark on a more R&B-laden feel, instantly cementing them as an adventurous name on the rise. And after a few more years to figure out their next move, they return with their eagerly-awaited third studio album 'Prestige', a record that sees them explore a fun-filled disco direction.

While this kind of bright and euphoric energy has been a solid staple of their aesthetic since their earliest beginnings, 'Prestige' has this incredibly carefree approach to its sonic appeal. Throwing pretence out of the window throughout its twelve-track runtime, their newest collection is this wonderfully warm and inviting release that explores some of their most engaging ideas to date. Brimming with this rich and immersive appeal from start to finish, Girl Ray sound more confident and assured than we have ever heard them to date.

Although it may be another bold step into the unknown for their sound, 'Prestige' still packs itself with plenty of surprises and vibrant moments from start to finish. Moving this far away from their original sound can always be a bit of a risk, but when the result is this enjoyable, we can let them off the hook this time.