London outfit Vanishing Twin have released their new album Afternoon X. The record follows their 2021 LP Ookii Gekkou.

Comprised of 8 songs in total, the band taps into experimental electronica, dark jazz, psychedelic, dream pop, and more. What sounds like a sometimes sinister, sometimes playful film score, each song is well composed, almost being able to individually stand on its own, yet helping to form a grand finished puzzle. Singer Cathy Lucas uses her vocals like an instrument itself, truly delivering something magical and otherworldly to this release. While a couple of tunes run just shy of the two minute mark, the cut ‘The Down Below’ literally runs over 8 minutes, with the tune ‘Marbles’ running a little over 6 minutes in length. Yet with that being said, you almost wish the songs ran even longer as their hypnotic factors are on the highest levels possible.

Afternoon X one of those albums that will require multiple listens to truly appreciate every detail in the production choices. The LP brilliantly shines in every aspect of the word, being that wild card for one of the best albums of 2023.