BLACK VINYL

My Soft Machine embraces more sophisticated, contemporary pop production and a wider variety of sounds. "Impurities" sports a faded, atmospheric hip-hop beat, backing Parks' low-key but empowering "I radiate like a star, like a star, star, star" refrain. Though she doesn't make aggressive music (yet), Parks seems delighted to let off some steam with the wailing alt-rock guitars and vocal distortion of "Devotion." On the neon-tinged disco bop "Blades," she yearns for the sound of her partner's voice, presumably while she's on tour somewhere far away. On "Weightless," easily her most ambitious song to date, she sounds on the verge of tears as she begs for validation from someone who barely acknowledges her. At least as dramatic is the breakup lament "Room (Red Wings)," which lives up to its chorus ("without you, I'm devastated"). Though the feelings of longing, heartache, and hopelessness seem inescapable, there are still moments of joy and satisfaction, such as the Phoebe Bridgers-featuring "Pegasus," which feels like a relaxed hang-out between two close friends, and the sunny, shoegaze-inspired "Dog Rose." My Soft Machine hits differently than Collapsed in Sunbeams, but it's still a powerful effort that packs more emotional weight while expanding the singer/songwriter's stylistic range.

A1        Bruiseless
A2        Impurities
A3        Devotion
A4        Blades
A5        Purple Phase
A6        Weightless
B1        Pegasus
B2        Dog Rose
B3        Puppy
B4        I'm Sorry
B5        Room (Red Wings)
B6        Ghost