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. AllMusic
    Mar 19, 2013
    70
    Sometimes the looseness that makes 180 so charming borders on unfocused rambling, but for the most part, the Palma Violets keep it in check on this entertaining, promising debut.
  2. Pitchfork
    Mar 21, 2013
    70
    180 is structured like a gig, with the attention-grabbing hit followed by fun but less memorable tracks that build gradually in excitement.
  3. PopMatters
    Feb 27, 2013
    90
    This will likely be 2013’s most necessary debut and will undoubtedly stand as one of the years best ten months down the line.
  5. Mojo
    Mar 7, 2013
    80
    180 is filled with such a sense of unyielding joie de vivre and spirit that you can't help but be seduced by its unfettered feel. [Apr 2013, p.88]
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  6. Q Magazine
    Feb 21, 2013
    80
    180 captures all the exuberance of the sweatbox gigs they've held in its basement, while showcasing them as a scorching rock'n'roll band. [Mar 2013, p.106]
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  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    Feb 26, 2013
    80
    180 doesn’t contain too many weak moments; only the tacked-on-at-the-end ‘Brand New Song’ feels properly superfluous, an in-joke they’ve run a little too far with. Otherwise, you’re struck by the strength of the songs, and the roguish, self-assured charm with which they’re delivered.
  8. The Line of Best Fit
    Feb 25, 2013
    70
    Derivative 180 might be, but it’s also rammed full with jangly, addictive melodies that burst into life and disappear almost as quickly.
  9. Consequence
    Mar 21, 2013
    70
    It’s a loud record, but everything’s all there. It shakes, it rattles, it rolls, and that’s sort of a nagging issue.
  10. DIY Magazine
    Mar 5, 2013
    80
    Palma Violets' deliciously raggedy rock is enveloping.
  11. The Quietus
    Feb 27, 2013
    70
    It's not a perfect record, but then you wouldn't want it to be--the charm is the energy and room to grow here.
  12. BBC Music
    Feb 21, 2013
    80
    With the ceaselessly inventive, engagingly cocksure 180, Palma Violets have given themselves a base to build a career, should they be in it for the long haul.
  13. Filter
    Mar 25, 2013
    78
    This full-length proves that they’re no one-hit wonder, demonstrating depth, dexterity and a slap-dash genius that’s impossible to contrive.
  14. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Feb 25, 2013
    80
    As long as you don't ask too much of it, it's good knockabout rowdy fun.
  15. CMJ
    Mar 21, 2013
    70
    The emotive howls of their pub rock provide catchy blasts of energy that are more familiar than groundbreaking but who’s quality should not be discounted for failing to meet the hyperbole that preceded them.

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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