6/10

When he released 'Think About Things' as Iceland's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2020, Daði Freyr found himself on the end of one of the biggest viral movements the annual event had ever seen. A sure-fire favourite months before it was due to take place, he sadly never got the chance when the pandemic came and halted proceedings that year, albeit returning with a different track in 2021 and finishing fourth. But now he is looking to capitalise on that initial hype with the release of his long-awaited debut LP 'I Made An Album', a record that continues that high-spirited charm.

From the start, it is clear that Daði Freyr's sound is very much rooted in the lively electro-pop arena. So much so that 'I Made An Album' almost feels like the same basic idea running again and again. While his wonderfully sombre vocal performance still remains the most endearing element of his aesthetic, his attempts to create a fresh and distinctive flow to this release sometimes stumbles as he searches hard to find an ideal that sets him apart from the crowd.

While it is still a wonderfully enjoyable listen throughout, 'I Made An Album' doesn't quite manage to hold our attention from start to finish. With bursts of vibrant creativity laced within, far too much of this release feels a little plain in places, falling short of the bright and innovative nature we know he is capable of.