Cover artwork shot by Sophie Williams

Shura’s latest album reads like a deep sigh – but not one of relief. Instead, it feels like someone looking at a precarious, unforgiving world and not finding much solace at all. Moments of euphoria are few and far between across an understated, but quietly urgent set of songs that consolidate Shura as a master of the ‘less is more’ formula in synthpop.

The soft, liquid synth textures might feel a little by the numbers, but the flickers of clarinet that find their way onto ‘Leonard Street’ and ‘America’ suggests greater musical ambition than most records in this vein. It’s relaxed and dignified in tone for the most part, which makes for a fascinating contrast with the emotional songwriting, often focussing on the relationships we struggle to maintain amidst trying times. ‘Recognise’ shows her retreating inward to shield herself from the world, fully aware of how indulgent or selfish that might seem, but unable to stop herself. It’s a similar case on ‘World’s Worst Girlfriend,’ where she can’t live up to the extroverted ideal the voice in her head is telling her she needs to be to satisfy a partner.

‘Online’ is another gut punch, where every reassurance from family members to simply not worry about things makes her overactive imagination run all the wilder. Her overthinking also shows up on ‘America’ where, despite the relaxed tone, there’s a quivering uncertainty in how the clarinet flickers in and out of the blurry mix, especially when the tinkling percussion comes in to close the song, as Shura confronts the precariousness of the United States right now – it’s a calm, simmering tension rather than outright dread.

The main issue I had with this album is that the prioritising of texture over tune can cause parts of it to blur together. Even if it does work well with the hazy, stream of consciousness style of the writing, it doesn’t always lead to great hooks or individual songs that reward replay. But Shura’s terrific songwriting does make up for a lot, and she saves her best lyric for last: “But if I die, at least I / Don’t have to pick out a shirt to wear.” Despite a mightily emotional album, her dry humour remains intact. I think that’s a sign she’ll find a way through.

Shura: I Got Too Sad For My Friends – Out 30 May 2025 (PIAS)

– World’s Worst Girlfriend (Official Video)