7/10

If there is one person that could personify the glittering psych-rock scene in Australia, it would probably be Jay Watson. As member of POND and session musician for Tame Impala, he has found himself slap-bang in the middle of this bright and glittering world, something that he looks to inject into his work within his solo project GUM. Despite only starting his new venture in 2014 with his debut record 'Delorean Highway', Watson has proven himself to be an incredibly prolific individual as he returns with his fifth studio album in six years 'Out In The World', a bold and soaring walk through his own euphoric world.

But what has always set this project apart from his work within more world-renowned outfits is his strict and almost overzealous devotion to the psych-rock sound. While others seem keen to create a more accessible and radio-friendly direction to the sound, Watson's material is always more purist than most, delivering a release that has its roots firmly fixed in the style of Pink Floyd and King Crimson rather than anything more contemporary. As a result, 'Out In The World' comes across as this heady mix of nostalgic influences and breathless soundscapes that have quickly become his calling card over the last few years.

From start to finish, 'Out In The World' looks to see itself as one of the more traditional psych-rock releases that Australia has produced in recent times. Watson has this unshaken core sound that oozes bold and dynamic ideas, which have always managed to come together to form a succinct and cohesive collection, and this return is no different.