2nd solo album from Karin Dreijer of The Knife. Plunge is the long-awaited follow-up to Dreijer's eponymous debut released all the way back in 2009. While her work with The Knife sometimes finds radical politics peppering the group's dancefloor and pop aspirations, most pronounced on 2013's Shaking The Habitual, the Fever Ray project affords Dreijer the chance to ditch pop altogether and delve even further and more articulately into gender politics, deconstructing cultural norms dealing with identity, sexuality and personal freedom. But the production is still world-class; Dreijer enlisted the help of Peder Mannerfelt, Paula Temple and Johannes Berglund. Lead single "IDK About You" features an uncharacteristically dry vocal performance by Dreijer, hearkening back to the Deep Cuts days (simpler times...) but over a stripped-down Shangaan Electro-inspired beat. Elsewhere, you can expect kitchen sink arrangements and next-level sound design, soaring performances from Dreijer, lyrics that will make you blush ("To The Moon And Back") and plenty of vocal masking, natch. The next Knife record has its work cut out for it. 180g vinyl pressing comes with download code and giant poster with full album lyrics.

• 180g vinyl pressing
• includes giant foldout poster
• digital download included
• limited edition
• music label: Mute 2018

reviewed by big dumb man 03/2018