7/10

Ever since they first emerged with their breakthrough self-titled debut EP back in 2017, US duo Backyard Wrestling have always been ones to deliver a fresh and exciting take on the contemporary pop-rock sound. Blending a carefree attitude with killer riffs as often as possible, they have spent the last few years turning out a breadth of enjoyable anthems that have continued to broaden their direction at every turn. And after a flurry of much-loved singles these last few months, they now return with their long-awaited debut album 'Jorts', a record that looks to bring all of that creative spirit under one roof.

Featuring a batch of their previously unveiled efforts, 'Jorts' acts as a progressive example of where their sound has been venturing recently. Continuing to create these rich and euphoric guitar-driven offerings, which always manage to cultivate something distinctive to keep the LP's momentum moving ever forward, their initial full-length makes for an incredibly absorbing listen from beginning to end. Whether it's the soaring impact of 'I'm Doing Fine' or the swaggering grooves of 'The Beat Goes On', there is something brilliantly unique and enjoyable about almost every part of this new collection.

It may have taken longer than most to arrive, but 'Jorts' displays plenty of care and attention to its twelve tracks. Ensuring that each one has something new and interesting about it, Backyard Wrestling prove they are still very much on top of their creative game here.