8/10

Throughout these last few years, emerging outfit Dripping Trees have quickly established themselves as one of the more immersive names doing the rounds. Cemented by their widely-praised debut LP 'Fuel Of Mankind' in 2021, the band's legacy has been going from strength to strength in the years since, with every new release looking to add something new and interesting to their ever-evolving repertoire to date. And with the buzz around them continuing to build, they are back once again with their eagerly-awaited sophomore album 'Balance Is Gone', a record that continues that dynamic reputation they have garnered lately.

Despite just seven tracks in length, 'Balance Is Gone' looks to pack as much punch and allure as possible. With each song adopting this wonderfully explorative direction, honing their post-rock-inspired aesthetic at every turn, their newest collection finds them in a brilliantly adventurous guise as they return with some of their more enthralling material yet. Whether they are pursuing broad and euphoric soundscapes or a more emotive presence, Dripping Trees always manage to create a distinctive sound that sees them spread their creative wings as far as they will go.

While they have always managed to deliver something fresh and inventive across their tenure so far, 'Balance Is Gone' instantly pulls you in and rarely lets you go. Brimming with such warmth and vigour at every turn, they remain one of the more exciting names on the underground circuit right now.