7/10

Over these last few years, LA-based artist Kevin Koplar has been one of the more formidable additions to the current folk-rock revivalist movement. Taking his cues from the swaggering sound of 70s-inspired outfits and rebranding them for a model ear, his tenure to date has been this wildly infectious one that always looks to add something new and interesting to his sound. And after a wave of impressive material under his belt to date, he is now looking to cement his legacy with his eagerly-awaited debut album 'To A Better Dark', a record that sees him branch out across all areas of the folk-rock spectrum.

While he is certainly one to wear his influences firmly on his sleeve, 'To A Better Dark' still manages to carve its own distinctive avenue in which to explore. Swapping back and forth between bold and euphoric anthems and more tender moments, this ten-track collection finds him in a brilliantly explorative guise as he looks to spread his creative wings further than ever. Building up these warm and inviting textures while still delivering the occasional rapturous hook from time to time, Koplar unleashes some of his more ambitious work to date, all keeping to a succinct and cohesive flow throughout.

While these last few months have certainly been a busy and productive time for him, 'To A Better Dark' shows that he has crafted a firm and progressive direction in which to call his own. Building upon those early foundations with style and aplomb, Kevin Koplar is a confident songwriter we can't wait to hear more from in the months ahead as well.