8/10

Over these last few years, German singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer M. Byrd has established himself as one of the more innovative additions on the indie-folk scene. Combining his wistful approach to songwriting with a broad and diverse aesthetic that regularly borrows from alternative, shoegaze and even a synth-led production, his tenure to date has been this widely revered one that always looks to build upon what has come before. And with another confident run of releases under his belt lately, he returns with his vibrant new EP 'In Breech', a collection that sees him enter a new phase within his chosen direction.

Recently becoming a father for the first time, 'In Breech' instantly sets the context of its songwriting through a lens of personal growth and new beginnings, something that he takes on with all the passion he can muster. Sonically very much in line with his previous work, but with this newfound admiration for life and continued exploration, he approaches it as if it were his first release, heralding in a new age to his dynamic catalogue to date. Whether he is fusing a multitude of varied energies together or exploring a simpler avenue, M. Byrd always manages to deliver something that shines bright at every moment.

He has certainly been on an adventurous journey since he first emerged, but M. Byrd feels like a stronger and more confident artist at the helm here. Moving with this creative brilliance across all five tracks, 'In Breech' almost feels like a rebirth for him, something that adds an even deeper layer to his progressive material to date.