Album Review: Marina, Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land

Having dispensed with the "and the Diamonds" suffix, Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land is Marina's second album as a mononymous artist. It does a fine job of mixing her trademark electro-pop with thought-provoking social commentary.

Notably, single 'Purge The Poison' comes on like a 'We Didn't Start The Fire' tribute, variously touching on the Harvey Weinstein scandal, media treatment of Britney Spears and climate change.

It's the more personal tracks, though, that really excite, particularly 'Pandora's Box' and the heart-wrenching 'Flowers'. 'Goodbye', meanwhile, is a beautiful meditation on a relationship gone awry - think a more upbeat Adele.

Though patchy and unsatisfying in parts, overall Ancient Dreams... makes for a stirring reflection on the tumultuous year we've all endured.