9/10

For the last few years, South Africa-born but Australia-based singer and songwriter E^ST has been one of the most inventive and exciting names to appear on the new music circuit. With an incredible six years passing since the release of her breakthrough debut EP 'Old Age', she has spent the time since reworking and reinventing herself over and over until she found a sound and direction that she could firmly call her own. And we are more than grateful for that process as she delivers her long-awaited debut album 'I'M DOING IT', one of the most fun and exciting releases of the year so far.

In recent times, E^ST has been compared to a whole host of other female alt-pop stars including Tove Lo, Robyn, and MØ, but those connections never quite sat well with us as it is clear from just a few tracks on 'I'M DOING IT' that she is definitely taking her own path on this one. With its bright and energetic feel throughout, mixed with her engaging persona from start to finish, her debut full-length looks to take the static and conventional elements of the alt-pop sound and turn them completely upside down, resulting in something truly original and diverse with an almost experimental edge to it.

It may have taken longer for this moment to come than for most in the industry, but E^ST's debut album has been more than worth the wait. A bold and sweeping affair that looks to add genuine joy and euphoria into everything it delivers. This will be one of those releases that will see E^ST move from a cult gem to your new favourite artist.