6/10

Over the last decade, Manchester-based duo Hurts have been one of those curious names on the new music front. While obviously creating a bold and brooding sound that has seen them blossom on the underground circuit, they have spent the last few albums fluttering with a more commercial sound, which has seen them grow a wildly diverse fanbase that spans age, gender and almost anything else. And after a three-year break from the studio since their highly-praised 2017 LP 'Desire', they now return with 'Faith', a record that sees them stretch their creative intentions even further.

While they have always been ones to explore an adventurous and eclectic path on recent albums, 'Faith' is one that sees them pursue that belief even more. While always looking to double down on that dark and haunting aesthetic they are known for, the mixture of light and euphoric alt-pop and more industrial numbers like 'Suffer' and 'Numb' do make for a more disjointed collection than we are used to from them. Although the quality of their music hasn't dipped in the slightest, there is this rudderless feel to its flow this time around; almost as if they had a varied range of ideas for this release but failed to settle on one completely.

But while it may not flow or move with the grace of their older material, 'Faith' still makes for a strong and interesting full-length from the duo. Tracks like 'Fractured' and 'Slave To Your Love' showcase some of their most creative endeavours to date and give a struggling record a bold shot in the arm from time to time.