Each consecutive Perfume Genius album feels like a door leading to a room of blinding light getting wedged more open, more gorgeous, dangerous light spilling out with each widening of the crack. No Shape begins with the door being smashed open; the explosive choruses of “Otherside” announcing an album of lush strings, layered vocals, and widescreen production from Blake Mills, Mike Hadreas’ ghostly voice morphing from the sensual and inviting “Slip Away” and “Go Ahead” to the muffled confessions of “Choir.” It’s a soulful journey through a thicket of weeds and thorns, suffused by the need to keep pushing through to reach the light. 

– Alex Riggs