7/10

After originally breaking through with their stunning debut LP 'Deepfake' back in 2019, New York duo Russian Baths quickly established themselves as one of the more dynamic names emerging on the scene. Blending this heady mix of hardcore-inspired aesthetics with a more progressive and atmospheric texture, their work since has been this wildly explorative journey that seeks to add a more distinctive direction to their already immersive sound. And after another run of killer releases under their belts recently, they are back to unveil their eagerly-awaited sophomore album 'Mirror', a record that brims with gritty energy throughout.

Much like what 'Deepfake' first introduced us to, 'Mirror' sees them embark further on the enigmatic appeal they first emerged with. Doubling down on those ethereal tones that made their earlier material such an inventive listen, their newest collection finds them in a wonderfully adventurous spirit as they unveil some of their more captivating material to date. Keeping more towards the alluring post-punk sensibilities they have ventured upon over the years, Russian Baths are returning to the fold with some truly vibrant delights here.

With an feel and flow that harks back to a brooding 80s-inspired sound, but still maintaining plenty of contemporary ideas, 'Mirror' is certainly looking to become bigger and more euphoric than anything they have produced before. Moving with this subtle elegance between explosive energy and more sombre grooves, Russian Baths are certainly looking to turn some heads with this one.