Album Review: FKA Twigs, MAGDALENE

FKA Twigs has kept herself busy since her jaw-dropping 2014 debut, LP1. She's immersed herself in various creative endeavours, performing in stage-shows, modelling high-fashion garments, and doing dance work with Spike Jonze. Now, she's back with her highly anticipated sophomore record, MAGDALENE. It finds Twigs fusing avant-garde alien sounds and pop sensibilities to brilliant effect: proof that she's one of the most ingenious musicians of her generation.

Nothing sounds quite like an FKA Twigs song. To try and map out all the eclectic references seems futile, as there's simply too much going on. The music is rooted in piano composition and mangled found sounds, with extraterrestrial production work from Nicolas Jaar. Her vocals sound at one moment operatic and the next distorted. Twigs always demands our full attention, holding us in a vice-like emotional grip that doesn't let go until this nine-song opus takes its final breaths.

First, there was the mesmerising single 'Cellophane', which has been hailed as one of the best songs of the decade: listen closely and try to pick up all the subtle instrumentation at work. Another highlight is 'holy terrain', featuring none other than trap-rap king Future. Here Twigs effortlessly navigates new musical ground, sounding more confident and bolder than ever.

There are stand-out tracks, but this is a record that functions best as a singular, holistic piece. MAGDALENE has layers, tells stories, and takes us into new dimensions. Ultimately, FKA Twigs delivers a stunning work of art that exceeds expectations on all fronts.

9/10