“HERE’S my report from the edge,” sings Annie Clark as she tees up the frenetic chorus of Birth In Reverse, but the phrase might easily serve as a sub-title for her entire fourth solo album.

This is pop music taken to its farthest extremities, with the natural sweetness of the 31-year-old’s vocals butting heads with her penchant for fitful rhythms, provocative lyrics and shredding guitar solos. The mix is intoxicating, whether adorned by funky horns on Digital Witness or recast as the proto hip-hop of Bring Me Your Loves.

4/5 stars

Rory Dollard