6/10

For the last few years, it seems that everyone in the pop world has been eagerly-awaiting the release of ALMA's debut album. After first turning up on our radar back in 2016, the Finnish cyber-popster released a string of bold and passionate releases, as well as finding herself invited to appear on numerous songs from other artists as well. And in early 2019, she announced the details of her first full-length 'Have U Seen Her?' But after several push backs and of course the coronavirus lockdown, here we are more than a year later and this long-awaited new record is finally in our hands.

But the main question that everyone has been asking since we first got word about this collection is, "is it worth the wait?" From the very start, 'Have U Seen Her?' sets itself as a complete and experimental sonic journey through the frontwoman's own tastes and directions. The opening title-track seems to conjure up the scatological appeal of M.I.A., while her Tove Lo collaboration 'Worst Behaviour' sounds like something Charli XCX would have produced herself. It is this vast and dynamic sound that remains the focus of her first collection, trying her hand at a multitude of ideas and discovering who she truly is throughout.

As a result, 'Have U Seen Her?' plays as a strange mix of commercially focused radio-friendly ditties and more adventurous persuasions that give us glimpses into her more rebellious personality. This clash of directions does make it difficult to enjoy the album as a single body of work, but still makes for a fresh and interesting release from start to finish.