8/10

Ever since they first burst onto the scene, LA-based duo Strawflower have always looked to create a sound that breaks both the norm and standard conventions. While influences of psych-rock, surf-rock, and classic indie-rock have made their way into the pair's direction over the years, their recent run of singles have managed to create a spellbinding combination of them all, giving them this brilliantly unique and admirable style. And after plenty of praise for their recent outings, they look to cement their dynamic attitude to date with their eagerly-awaited debut album 'Greetings From The Stardust Motel', a wonderfully warm and inviting return to form.

Keeping their sound and direction as firmly rooted to their own progressive ideals as possible, 'Greetings From The Stardust Motel' is this beautifully rich and alluring release from the pairing, shining with vibrant hooks at every turn. Cultivating this brilliantly sun-kissed aesthetic that almost sounds like the sonic equivalent of cruising down Sunset Boulevard in a open-top convertible, Strawflower have taken the best parts of their repertoire so far, and brought them all together in this wildly enjoyable medley of uplifting guitar-driven grooves.

The band's ascent has certainly been well-documented in recent months, but 'Greetings From the Stardust Motel' shows that their recent buzz has been more than deserved. Delivering a truly illuminating collection of breezy outings is the perfect antidote to any sombre mood as they look to build upon their already enchanting run of form to date.