7/10

Over the last few years, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Chris Bullinger has established himself as one of the more prolific talents emerging from the Southern US music scene. Delivering his vibrant 2022 LP 'True Rendition' before following it up with the impactful 'How To Bleed' this time last year, he has quickly earned a strong reputation for rich and alluring grooves that perfectly suit his sombre persona. And with another heady run of releases arriving in the last few months, he is back once again to unveil his new studio album 'Waitin' To Be Seen - Part 1', a record that continues that alluring nature of his.

Much like what he has been cultivating recently, 'Waitin' To Be Seen' comes across as one of his more intimate listens of late. Opting for a beautifully warm and stripped-back aesthetic for his latest outing, this new twelve-track collection makes for a wonderfully serene and emotive experience. With his distinctive vocals spread across this lofty yet sometimes uplifting country-folk-inspired production at every turn, he is continuing to cement himself as one of the more compelling storytellers doing the rounds right now.

It may have arrived after an incredibly busy period within his career, but 'Waitin' To Be Seen - Part 1' still feels just as fresh and innovative as anything else he has been showcasing recently. Brimming with such warm and tender emotion throughout, Chris Bullinger remains a formidable force within his genre with this one.