In the six long years between their previous album "Heads Up" and their latest offering, "Radiate Like This," Warpaint's members took the time to pursue solo projects and live their lives. Theresa Wayman and Jenny Lee Lindberg released solo albums, while Stella Mozgawa cemented her status as one of indie's most sought-after drummers and collaborated with Boom Bip in Belief. And then, just as the album came to fruition, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing the band members to work in isolation in their respective home studios. It could have spelled doom for the band's spark, but happily, that isn't the case on "Radiate Like This."

The album is a testament to the spontaneous chemistry that has always been at the heart of Warpaint's music. Each member contributed their parts and passed on the results to the next, resulting in an artful editing process that has always been a hallmark of the band's sound. This time, they've let the shapes of their songs emerge from their hazy sonics a bit more, resulting in some of their most inventive and ear-catching moments.

Take "Champion," which delicately balances a driving pulse with the band's smoky allure. "Hips" juxtaposes fragmented synths with gorgeous vocal harmonies, while "Like Sweetness" is a classic Warpaint reverie with a newfound space between its syrupy guitars and bubbling synths. Throughout the album, Warpaint brings new twists to their time-tested strengths.

And yet, despite the band's challenges in creating this album, "Radiate Like This" is a quiet stunner and a welcome return. The band manages to infuse some playfulness into their signature eroticism, delivering both the chorus of "Proof" and the entwined folk, R&B, and synth-pop of "Send Nudes" with a wink. It's clear that Warpaint has not lost its magic touch, and this album is a testament to the power of its unique creative process.

Champion Hips Hard To Tell You Stevie Like Sweetness Trouble Proof Altar Melting Send Nudes