5/10
While Grimes has certainly been a solid name on the cult international music scene her inception, it was her last studio album 'Visions' that brought her to the full focus. With numerous high-praise reviews all over the world, this new release has become the most high-profile of her career so far and thus, carries the most pressure on it. But being of a more abstract mind, Grimes would hardly be concerned about sales figures and be simply looking to create the best work that reflects her own current state mind. Which from the initial listen of 'Art Angels' is erratic to say the least.
She has never been one to stick to a fixed direction, but 'Art Angels' seems to lack not only in direction but focus as well. While it does fit that unconventional Grimes style, you soon find that much of the release isn't as interesting as she has proven to be in the past. Instead the record has this mediocre pop sound that doesn't seem to go anywhere and you feel like the album never really gets started in any way.
A disappointing return from a act who has up until now been extremely impressive. 'Art Angels' just seems to lack that spark she was known for and ends up taking a very uninspired route instead.