Album Review
4-5 Stars - A deeply evocative and disarming full-length album that lingers in the minds of listeners long after it ends.
Reviewer: Sarah Jamieson
Released: 17th October 2025
Label: Dirty Hit
“What do I live for? Who do I live for? I’m not sure anymore,” ponders Helen Ballantine, known as Skullcrusher, amidst the opening notes of her second album. Written during a time of significant changes for the artist - including a relocation from Los Angeles to upstate New York and a prolonged period of solitude - ‘And Your Song Is Like A Circle’ serves as a poignant exploration of life, loss, and meaning, revealing layers that gradually unfold with each listen. This record feels both sparse and richly textured; its sonics are captivating - consider the crashing waves at the end of ‘March’ or the ethereal quality of ‘Changes’, where a finger-plucked guitar line enhances its gentle fragility. Additionally, her lyrics and vocals are beautiful; though often tinged with darkness, they ebb and flow like the grief and loneliness that inspired the album, always reaching toward the light. An exceptionally moving and disarming full-length that will linger with listeners well beyond its final notes.
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The music of a band carrying that emotional depth with remarkable grace, and possibly even a sense of hope.
A profoundly moving and captivating full-length piece that will linger in the minds of listeners well after it has finished.