8/10

Since the release of her breakthrough debut LP 'Hemet' in 2020, Irish singer-songwriter Niamh Regan has been quick to establish herself as one of the more progressive names on the indie-folk circuit. With the praise and acclaim she earned for that release resulting in countless headline tours around the world in the years since, she has now finally delivered her long-awaited sophomore studio album 'Come As You Are', a record that looks to continue that ponderous aesthetic of hers.

Much like what she first introduced us to, 'Come As You Are' seeks to reflect the warmer and more ethereal side to her sound. With percussion and production stripped back to its bare bones as often as possible, Regan takes the opportunity to serenade us with some of her most heartfelt efforts to date. Moving with this subtle elegance throughout its eleven-track runtime, we find her in a beautifully refined guise that seems far more confident and assured this time around.

Most certainly a continuation of what we heard on 'Hemet', 'Come As You Are' looks to build upon those initial foundations with style and aplomb throughout. Creating this beautifully absorbing atmosphere that washes over you and never lets you go, Niamh Regan rekindles those vibrant ideals for a wondrous return to form here.