180
by Palma Violets
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
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  1. Under The Radar
    May 20, 2013
    45
    It's not the terrible record to be savaged that an army of hipsters hoped for, just a very plain one that sounds like it was made by 14-year-olds, for 14-year-olds.
  2. No Ripcord
    Mar 6, 2013
    50
    While the better songs sound rough around the edges, their inferior material here sounds scrappy and juvenile.
  3. Sputnikmusic
    Mar 4, 2013
    40
    There you have it; young lads just starting out make poor-to-average debut record. Not an unusual occurrence, and no doubt a thousand other albums released that day were no better or worse than 180.
  5. Uncut
    Mar 1, 2013
    60
    Their debut reveals a talent for taut, punkish, pivot-on-a-penny songs that cemented their live reputation before they'd even recorded a note. [Apr 2013, p.74]
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  6. Drowned In Sound
    Feb 27, 2013
    60
    So Palma Violets get a pass this time, their lack of focus and their naivety balanced by their charm. 180 is a record they're only allowed to make once--next time we're going to need some substance.
  7. The Observer (UK)
    Feb 25, 2013
    40
    The debut album by indie's latest great white hopes, however, is notable mainly for its crushing ordinariness.
  8. musicOMH.com
    Feb 21, 2013
    60
    While Palma Violets have certainly got talent, their debut falls just short of the expectations that’s been ladled on it.
  9. The Guardian
    Feb 21, 2013
    60
    There are certainly moments when the writing sparks: the New Orderish riff of Chicken Dippers crashes into an addictive chorus; Step Up for the Cool Cats maroons a fragmented ballad over see-sawing organ and explosions of frenetic drumming. But they are outweighed by moments where things seems to gutter in a mass of half-formed ideas.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 23
  3. Negative: 3 out of 23
  1. jyo_tirmaya
    Aug 2, 2013
    10
    This group rocks. They remind me of The Clash. I love their raw sound. It's the sound of a new and great band coming into their own. Check 'emThis group rocks. They remind me of The Clash. I love their raw sound. It's the sound of a new and great band coming into their own. Check 'em out. They'll be at Lollapalooza and I will be at their altar up front at least an hour before they go on. They are the real deal.… Full Review »
  2. ghostlight2
    Jun 5, 2013
    0
    Generic, boring and overall devoid of any redeeming features. This album is a shocking indictment on the state of the current UK music scene;Generic, boring and overall devoid of any redeeming features. This album is a shocking indictment on the state of the current UK music scene; if this is the most exciting band the NME can find, they may as well close now. Best of Friends shouldn't be in any sane persons top 100 songs of 2013, let alone #1. What a joke. Every song on the album is a formless mess of boring chords and banal, cringe-worthy lyrics, with not a single memorable riff or moment to be found. There is a lot of good music coming out at the moment, however Palma Violets aren't producing it. Check out Last Dinosaurs, Sticky Fingers and to a lesser extent, Jungle Giants if you want new bands who actually know how to write songs.… Full Review »
  3. Vampire25
    May 25, 2013
    7
    Palma Violets' debut record is one to admire. Each track is a banger, and while they don't fully grasp their own idea yet, this album justPalma Violets' debut record is one to admire. Each track is a banger, and while they don't fully grasp their own idea yet, this album just goes to show they have incredible potential. "Best of Friends" is one of the best songs I've heard in the past few years.

    All In All, 180 is a good record that unravels more pleasure the more you listen to it. B    … Full Review »
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