★★★★☆
For an electronic band that has made a lasting impact both locally and internationally since its last record,Atlas, RÜFÜS have done quite an extraordinary job of meeting – if not exceeding – the high expectations ahead of their new album.
This album feels like a journey from start to finish. The layout of the tracks builds suspense with ‘Brighter’, crescendos at ‘Be With You’ and gently falls away by the final moments on the pensive ‘Innerbloom’.
Bloom is stunning in its simplicity and exploration of space. It is proof that the art of songwriting need not be rushed; that there can be beauty in quietness and subtlety. In no track is this more evident than ‘Innerbloom’, which at almost ten minutes long somehow still leaves you wanting more. ‘Hypnotised’ also plays with this idea through the gentle interaction of male and female vocals, and the result is steady and magical. If you were hoping for an album that is drastically different in sound from Atlas, then you may be disappointed – RÜFÜS continue to exhibit their dreamy style and produce a mix of catchy and atmospheric tracks in this collection, but this time with a slightly more mature sound.
Bloom shows off RÜFÜS’ effortless ability to tap into the listener’s calmer self and evoke a feeling with the slightest touch.
BloombyRÜFÜSis out now through Sweat It Out/Sony.
