8/10

Ever since she first emerged with her breakthrough debut EP 'Falling Asleep At The Wheel' in 2020, Holly Humberstone has been seen as one of the more exciting songwriters on the rise in recent years. With a wonderfully progressive approach to her production and aesthetic that has only grown more ambitious as time goes by, she has quickly established herself as distinctive entity on the alt-pop scene today. And after a flurry of vibrant singles these last few months, she now releases her long-awaited debut album 'Paint My Bedroom Black', a record brimming with more of that innovative flavour she is known for.

While her field has certainly had its fair share of similar names and acts looking to break through to the mainstream, Humberstone still manages to peek her head above the rest. 'Paint My Bedroom Black' is one of those rare pop releases that not only displays some brilliantly adventurous ideas, but also manages to maintain a strong and consistent direction throughout. With each track complimenting and building upon the last, it has this wonderfully easygoing flow to it, making for a brilliantly inviting listen from start to finish.

With so much love and praise for her work in recent years, it was never in any doubt that Holly Humberstone would smash this one out of the park. 'Paint My Bedroom Black' is one of the stronger and more engaging debuts of the year so far, and feels like she still has plenty more to say once it's over.