One could almost get the impression that Arlo Parks, the much-acclaimed, highly decorated (Mercury Prize 2021!) artist, has so far been a little in her own way when it comes to her broad pop impact. After their last album, released two years ago, I at least expected that their fame would blossom like a flower worldwide. I found it so excellent. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work out that way. Maybe MY SOFT MACHINE was too demanding thematically? Too depressed in depressed times?
Who knows. But now! With great ease, dancing and percussive, she presents us pop in its most relevant, contemporary form (in addition to the current forms of hyperpop). With AMBIGUOUS DESIRE, the Brit says she is reflecting on LCD Soundsystem and Theo Parrish, among others, on dancing and movement. Lyrics and rhythm merge organically on the album, peace and jitteriness have relaxed and yet snuggled up under a blanket, wide awake. In “Jetta” you watch Parks strolling, “Get Go” surprises with catchy melodic twists that warm us up.
In “Senses” she is supported by her British colleague Sampha, who has also worked with Solange Knowles. Strong bass contrasts Park’s soft vocal tone, giving the album depth and weight. On the one hand we’re dealing with classic songwriting, but on the other hand we’re also dealing with club-friendly tracks. You’re reminded of both Saint Etienne and The Streets without thinking for a second, “Oh, God, it’s the ’90s again.” I usually avoid the adjective “wonderful”, which is currently used in an almost inflationary way, but here I use it wholeheartedly!
This review appears in Musikexpress 4/2026.
