7/10

Ever since their inception, Lucia & The Best Boys have always been looking for new and innovative ways in which to express themselves. Originally a full-piece band emerging on Glasgow's underground punk scene, the project is now completely helmed by the enigmatic frontwoman Lucia, who has slowly morphed the sound from a raw and driven guitar outfit to a progressive pop ideal that has already brought huge acclaim her way. And after a flurry of impactful EP and single offerings, she now looks to cement her legacy to date with the long-awaited debut album 'Burning Castles', a record brimming with adventurous pursuits throughout.

While the direction of Lucia & The Best Boys has certainly evolved and changed over the years, 'Burning Castles' seems keen to blend all of those initial ambitions with her newest persona. Creating this wonderfully immersive aesthetic that regularly branches out into new genres and varied instrumentation as often as possible, her first full-length is a both a tip to her origins as well as where she sees the project going next. A heady mix of old and new within its textures and atmosphere, it makes for a wildly eclectic listen from beginning to end.

This new collection may have arrived after an already impressive run of releases, but 'Burning Castles' feels like a statement of intent for her future. Dabbling with inventive production and expressive songwriting throughout, it almost feels like she is gearing up to something even bigger already.