8/10

Throughout her illustrious career so far, Warsaw-via-London's Sonia Stein has made herself one of the more endearing names on the pop landscape. Combining this rich and emotive atmosphere with her wondrous vocal performances across a string of releases these last few years, she has been quick to harness a bold and enigmatic direction in which to call her own, one that always seems to find new and interesting ideas in which to explore. And after a wave of new material in recent months, she is now cementing this era with her latest EP 'Blooming Season Part 1', a collection that continues that glossy appeal of hers.

Much like what these new endeavours have showcased recently, 'Blooming Season Part 1' comes across as a vibrant ray of sunshine set to brighten these ever-darkening winter days. Bringing back plenty of that warm and sweeping aesthetic we have loved her for, this new four-track offering finds her in wonderfully euphoric spirits as it plays. Effortlessly blending a heady mix of pop, R&B and electronic flavours at every turn, Sonia Stein remains a shining light on today's underground music scene.

It has certainly been an impactful time for her these last few years, but 'Blooming Season Part 1' shows there is still plenty of captivating pursuits left for her to explore. Brimming with such a sweet and emotive presence from start to finish, she is certainly bringing a strong dose of passion to our lives right now.