8/10

Since breaking through with their highly-praised self-titled debut LP in 2019, California's Mono Sources have earned a solid reputation for broad and emotive offerings. Combining a rich and shimmering indie-rock aesthetic with a more lofty approach to production than most, their tenure to date has seen them build upon their dynamic foundations as often as possible. And with another vibrant array of gems under their belts recently, they are back to unveil their hotly-tipped sophomore album 'Before Now Or After', a record that continues that mesmerising direction they are known for.

Layering up what their initial full-length introduced us to, 'Before Now Or After' finds them in this brilliantly explorative guise, both towards songwriting and its general tone. Moving much in the same woozy vein they have always adopted, this new collection makes for a wonderfully warm and progressive listen from start to finish. Whether it is carving out some riveting soundscapes to lure us in or opting for more euphoric textures, Mono Sources always find a way to keep this new release as bright and engaging as possible.

It has certainly been a great time for their self-discovery and innovation in recent years, but 'Before Now Or After' shows there is still plenty of fresh and interesting ideas coursing through them right now. Beaming with such a powerfully absorbing texture throughout, they remain a firm staple of the US underground scene with this one.