7/10

Ever since they released their breakthrough debut album 'Youth Is Only Ever Fun In Retrospect' in 2017, Sundara Karma have always looked to push the boundaries within their aesthetic. While beginning as a fairly solid and predictable indie-rock outfit, over the years they have broadened themselves away from the stereotypical conventions of their sound, always looking to find something fresh to explore. And now it feels like they have moved into yet another realm as they drop their latest EP 'Oblivion!', a release that sees them venture down a new path.

Produced by Clarence Clarity, Rina Sawayama's go-to producer of choice, and described by frontman Ollie Pollock as "maximalist pop", 'Oblivion!' sees them embark on one of their most out-and-out pop collections to date. Largely influenced by the fledgling hyperpop and glitch-pop genres of the moment, the band create a five-track collection of bold and thunderous offerings that see them almost step away from their infant sound completely. Sounding their most commercially-appealing to date, this new EP is a bright and adventurous step into the unknown throughout.

Those that checked out their 2020 EP 'Kill Me' won't be surprised at where this new release heads, given they were already beginning to dabble in something different then, but 'Oblivion!' makes a very loud statement about Sundara Karma's journey in the future. They are beginning to truly explore the outer peripheries of their direction and deliver something that is nothing but surprises from start to finish.