There's a distinctly subterranean feel to many of ' albums as . On offerings like 2019's and 2021's , the intricate counterpoint and the impossibly deep bass holding it down suggested a rich secret life under the surface. On , however, turns to meet the sun. A collaboration with guitarist , ' first studio release for captures the euphoria of going out into the world again, whether due to the end of winter or a global pandemic. Tracks like "De-Hibernate," where beaming synths seem to push through the soil and a distantly ticking drumbeat is the only thing keeping them from floating away entirely, are the complete opposite of the dense, mysterious sound-worlds is known for, but they're just as evocative. The feeling of lightness and relief is almost palpable on "Lyracal," which forsakes ' usual details for a bird's-eye view of airy and spacious tones, and on "Sun Stroke," which represents the Venn diagram where , and intersect. The occasional shadows that pop up on only reinforce just how bright and gravity-defying the album is as a whole: The heavy synths that pry themselves out of inertia on "Does It Go Dark?" suggest a different kind of sci-fi mystery and majesty than any of 's previous work, and though "Let's Emerge, Pt. 1" leans into new age serenity with crashing waves, its massive drones feel more sacred than blissful. Later on, reintroduces some of 's more recognizable elements, like the burbling tones of "Haze Loops" or the signature arpeggios that push "Saturation Point," one of the record's most transporting moments, into the stratosphere. Similarly, his enduring restraint ensures that the album's warmth and sweetness never become cloying or obvious even on the grand finale, "Warmth of the Sun," a culmination of 's guitar, ' synths, and chanted, processed vocals that attains cosmic heights. Though didn't necessarily need make such a drastic change, pulls it off brilliantly, and celebrates the beauty of his music like never before. ~ Heather Phares