On his 10th studio album, Headlights, Alex G continues to evolve significantly. Released via Domino Recording Co., the project offers an emotional listen that builds on the groundwork of his previous records. This LP acts as a vivid showcase of the intimate sound he has crafted over the last 14 years.

The album opens with the atmospheric ‘June Guitar,’ a song that gradually layers its acoustic production with Alex G’s signature lyricism. Many of the tracks on this record highlight his ability to make emotional moments feel abstract. The fragmented melodies and gentle acoustic production are easily some of the strongest and most striking elements of the album.

The title track, ‘Headlights,’ blends melancholy with a hopeful upswing, showcasing Alex G’s talent for complex songwriting. It’s the kind of track that sticks with the listener.

Elsewhere, ‘Logan Hotel (Live)’ channels a fragile sense of nostalgia through its warped guitar lines and softly spoken vocals, while ‘Is It Still You In There?’ leans into more experimentation with disorienting piano keys. The album constantly shifts its mood without losing a sense of cohesion, while also blending multiple genres at once.

However, not everything here lands. ‘Spinning’ stumbles around with a vocal delivery that feels unpolished compared to the rest of the album. It’s moments like this that slightly interrupt the album’s otherwise immersive feel.

Despite this misstep, Headlights thrives in its vulnerability. Alex G leans into a sense of ambiguity, creating a listening experience that truly benefits from multiple listens. There’s also a deliberate murkiness in the production, which isn’t new for Alex G, but it’s delivered with more focus and refinement than ever before.

Clocking in at 40 minutes, the album never overstays its welcome. Each song captures snapshots of emotion rather than comprehensive statements. There’s no grand concept; instead, it embraces the fragmented moments that have always defined Alex G’s songwriting.

What’s most striking is the remarkable consistency with which Alex G carves out space for experimentation. Even the album’s stranger moments feel purposeful and part of a broader listening experience. It’s this diversity that continues to set him apart in the indie scene.

Headlights doesn’t reinvent Alex G’s sound, but it certainly sharpens it. Even during its weaker moments, the project reaffirms his position as one of indie’s most mysterious voices.

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