The terms “highly anticipated” “long awaited”, et cetera have been quite overused in recent times, but c’mon, it has been four whole years. Grimes returns to 4AD with Miss Anthropocene, a concept album about a character she described in an instagram post as “the anthropomorphic Goddess of climate Change: A psychedelic, space-dwelling demon/ beauty-Queen who relishes the end of the world.” She further explains that each song on the album is “a different embodiment of human extinction as depicted through a Pop star Demonology.” The album features collaborations with 潘PAN and i_o, and follows the release of acclaimed digital singles such as We Appreciate Power. Lead single “Violence” is a moody goth-pop banger anchored by her now iconic vocals, massively maximalist but maintaining a charmingly rough edge. “So Heavy I Fell Through The Earth” calls to mind the naive, less hook-driven compositions of earlier albums such as Halifaxa, a slow-burning slice of ethereal bubblegum. 4AD exclusive white vinyl edition packaged in a gatefold sleeve sporting artwork by Grimes herself.

• white colored vinyl
• full color die-cut inner sleeve
• includes 12"x24" foldout poster insert
• limited edition
• music label: 4AD 2020

reviewed by LOTTE BIKKURIMAN 11/2019