8/10

When his 2021 LP ‘Collections From The Whiteout’ earned him his second number one album of his career, Ben Howard was very much of the top of his game. Despite pandemic restrictions leaving him unable to tour his latest work regularly, he still found solace knowing that his fans were still supporting him throughout that time. But in March 2022, he suffered two transient ischemic attacks, known as mini-strokes, throwing his entire world view upside-down. Now very much in recovery, he looks to explore his new lease on life with his fifth full-length 'Is It?', a record that looks to stay humble and appreciative of all that he has done so far.

While his health episode does play a major part in the tone he sets for his newest release, 'Is It?' is more about looking toward the future than focusing too hard on the past and what could have been. Clearly still working through those troubling times, his newest material feels far more explorative and adventurous than we have come used to in recent years. Keeping his usual acoustic-led aesthetic buried within a rich and vibrant production from start to finish, it feels like we are hearing a more revived Ben Howard at the helm, someone on the cusp of discovering a new voice to take his sound further than ever before.

Very much a departure from some of the more tender outings he is known for, 'Is It?' is a beautifully composed and enjoyable listen from start to finish. With each offering its own snapshot of an idea, creating a beautifully diverse yet cohesive release, Howard is more assured than ever here as he realises just how lucky he has been in life so far.