7/10
Over the last two decades, Venezuelan-American artist Devendra Banhart has been seen as one of the more distinctive names doing the rounds. With a wonderfully warm and whimsical approach to his ethereal direction, his tenure to date has served up some of the more illustrious offerings we have heard in recent years, largely finding unexpected commercial and critical success across the board. And now moving into his next phase of musical evolution, he returns with his eleventh studio album 'Flying Wig', a record brimming with rich and mesmerising overtones.
With renowned Welsh artist Cate Le Bon serving as the release's producer throughout, 'Flying Wig' instantly makes its mark as one of Banhart's more interesting outings to date. With more of that wistful and atmospheric energy threaded throughout, he finds and cultivates some beautifully endearing moments here, breathing yet more life into his already impressive catalogue so far. With Le Bon's knack for dense and permeating energy filling the full-length from head to toe, it shines as one of his most alluring outings yet.
While there isn't much in the way of groundbreaking progression within his sound here, 'Flying Wig' still makes for a gloriously immersive listen. Tranquil and illuminating throughout, Devendra Banhart continues his impressive ascent yet again.