★★★★

It is hard to fathom that it has been six whole years since we have had a euphoric pop record from Foxes (the pop star moniker adopted by Louisa Allen). In a lot of ways, her previous records, 2014s ‘Glorious’, and 2016s ‘All I Need’ were incredible forward-thinking, progressive and indicators of which direction the pop world was shifting towards.

Her latest record ‘The Kick’, which builds upon the groundwork laid on last years EP ‘Friends in the Corner’ once again finds Allen carving her own lane, combining her trademark synth-infused dance-pop with the modern pop fascination with reviving disco (see Kylie, Jessie Ware, and Years & Years).

Without a doubt, this is the most cohesive record Allen has created. Opening track ‘Sister Ray’ is sublime with its emphatic Robyn inspired synth-led percussion. It’s also the beginning of a relentless rollercoaster, the album feels like it moves at a hundred miles an hour, with very little let up. Each track has a familiar and infectious groove, Allen has chosen to go consistently loud and bright, it's very much designed for the dancefloor. Whilst each track has that familiar disco groove, it’s Allen’s versatile vocals that give each song a unique identity. Title track ‘The Kick’ for instance, ebbs and flows as Allen dictates the tempo and emotion of each moment in line with how her pitch fluctuates, it’s a fantastic piece of motivational pop.

Whilst ‘The Kick’ is a solid Pop record from start to finish, there are a few notable moments of exceptional magic, the pre-release singles for instance ‘Absolute’ and ‘Dance Magic’ showcase Allen at her strongest. They are moments when the groove, Allen’s vocals and her writing synergise in the most spectacular ways. ‘Forgive Yourself’ is a beautiful moment of self-love and reflection that brilliantly contrasts melancholic contemplation with an optimistic techno beat. ‘Gentleman’ with its swooning saxophones feels like Allen’s ode to ‘Baker Street’ if it had been created by Carly Rae Jepsen.

Ultimately, this is another gem of a pop record by one of the genres most quietly influential stars. It’s an absolute joy to have Foxes back.