Released in early 2014, this self-titled record feels like the moment Annie Clark fully stepped into her role as a modern guitar hero. By this point, she’d already established herself as a clever songwriter, but this album saw her embracing a much bolder, more futuristic persona. It’s the sound of an artist who has completely mastered her craft – blending high-concept art-pop with some of the most jagged, infectious riffs you’ll ever hear.

The vibe here is wonderfully strange. It manages to be both clinical and deeply emotional at the same time, pairing distorted, fuzzy synths with syncopated rhythms that keep you on your toes. There’s a definite influence of 1980s art-rock – think David Bowie or Talking Heads – but filtered through a digital lens. It’s snappy, confident, and full of weird little sonic details that reveal themselves the more you listen.

Tracks like “Digital witness” and “Birth in reverse” are perfect examples of what makes this record so addictive. They’ve got these incredible, twitchy grooves that make it impossible to sit still. Even the slower moments have a certain tension to them that keeps things interesting. It’s the kind of album that feels like it’s constantly vibrating with energy – a bright, neon-lit exploration of what pop music can look like when you aren’t afraid to get a bit messy.

Revisiting it now, the album hasn’t aged a day. It still feels incredibly fresh and forward-thinking. It’s a great one to put on when you want something that’s as intellectually stimulating as it is fun to dance to. If you’re looking for a record that balances technical skill with pure, unadulterated style, this is definitely one to keep in your rotation.