7/10

Since departing from his formative outfit The White Stripes, Jack White has had some trouble bringing his solo sound to fruition over the years. While his initial offerings 'Blunderbuss' and 'Lazaretto' presented him in a progressive and forward-thinking light, his 2018 LP 'Boarding House Reach' was something harder to stomach as he felt almost uninspired on that release. But with two studio albums set to be released this year, he now returns with his first collection 'Fear Of The Dawn', a record that sees him bring the power back to his enticing direction.

From the very start, it is clear that he is looking to get noticed on this new endeavour. Jam-packed with raw and fuzzy riffs, matched with blistering pace, 'Fear Of The Dawn' sees him at his most ferocious in years. Focusing the texture of the release on a live concept, he looks to make each of these new offerings as impactful as possible. Barely a moment goes by that we aren't treated to something glitchy, distorted or outright monstrous, delivering a release that is so desperately in need to be heard, it occasionally falls into a brash and cacophonous flurry of noise that at times makes it difficult to listen to.

While it is still a very fun and enjoyable collection, 'Fear Of The Dawn' does have its fair share of half-baked ideas that take up a little too much room on here. But with plenty of catchy hooks and distinctive flavour, he has at least produced something that will serve him well as we await his next full-length later this year.