From the laidback 'k' muttered by Adrianne Lenker when kicking off its opening song 'Changes', Big Thief's new album takes listeners on a musical journey. In parts, Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You is a trip into the past, showcasing the band's established qualities with Lenker's captivating lyrics and raw emotion still shining throughout. The band's undeniable connection when it comes to making and playing music together remains to the fore, with 'Certainty' being a beautiful example.

This album is also a journey into the present and a signifier of how Big Thief have evolved since their last album release in 2019. 'Red Moon,' 'Blue Lightning' and 'Spud Infinity' have an almost country-esque vibe, inspiring involuntary toe-tapping and genuine excitement for their upcoming live shows. Another pleasant surprise are the flutes in 'No Reason', slowly weaving their way into the song's finale.

Finally, this album represents a journey into the future and highlights the ways in which Big Thief's musical output is far from set in stone. Double albums are rare nowadays. Even rarer are double albums of this quality. Songs are never too same-same and their 20 tracks are intertwined, with upbeat songs catching you unawares when melancholy starts to hit. Lenker's raw lyrics are grounding especially after you find yourself dancing away across the room. Transitions too never occur in the way you would expect with 'Love Love Love' almost barging in on the end of 'Simulation Swarm.'

Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You is a new chapter of an exciting future for Big Thief. As the final song fades out, one band member asks 'what should we do now?' Whatever they come up with next, it's almost certain to be a success.

Big Thief: Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You is released by 4AD on Friday 11 February.