7/10

Producer Tom Krell aka How To Dress Well has become one of the most provocative and inspiring musicians working in the world today. His music treads the soft line between RnB and an atmospheric ambience that has remained so unique to him, it is almost impossible to compare his work to others. Returning now with his fifth studio album 'The Anteroom', the frontman aims to lift the pretence that many felt was lacking from his last full-length 'Care', and delivers a truly uplifting release that even sees him experiment even further out of his comfort zone at times.

Opening up with 'Humans Designed As Animals | Nonkilling 1', a track that builds into this stressed and forceful techno ending, the record is much more about Krell pushing himself further than before and looking to explore new possibilities within his sound. While the album's general tone remains rooted in his core sound, 'The Anteroom' has this vibrant and explosive energy that feels like it could erupt at any moment. The majority of this release may be filled with the usual sultry and sombre tones, but occasionally a harsher and more intense sound begins to break through, introducing us to a very different experience at times.

It certainly seems that Krell was looking to produce something a little different this time around, and 'The Anteroom' definitely showcases the producer in an even more eclectic light. Mixing up the instrumentation and bringing in a more diverse approach to his production has left this new album feeling like one of his most expressive, and back on the top form of his initial releases.