Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 23
  2. Negative: 1 out of 23
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  1. 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. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Mar 5, 2013
    80
    Palma Violets' deliciously raggedy rock is enveloping.
  6. 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. 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.
  8. 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]
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. Mar 6, 2013
    50
    While the better songs sound rough around the edges, their inferior material here sounds scrappy and juvenile.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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]
  15. Jun 4, 2013
    20
    It’s garage rock by numbers and sounds like it took as long to write as it does to listen to.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. As long as you don't ask too much of it, it's good knockabout rowdy fun.
  19. 70
    Derivative 180 might be, but it’s also rammed full with jangly, addictive melodies that burst into life and disappear almost as quickly.
  20. Feb 25, 2013
    40
    The debut album by indie's latest great white hopes, however, is notable mainly for its crushing ordinariness.
  21. 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.
  22. 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]
  23. 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.
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 23
  2. Negative: 3 out of 23
  1. 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. 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. 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 »