A Long Way to Fall - Ulrich Schnauss
Metascore
64 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. PopMatters
    Feb 13, 2013
    80
    A step back to his roots but ultimately a step forward for electronic music.
  2. Exclaim
    Feb 12, 2013
    70
    It's really Schnauss's choice of drum sounds and patterns that prevent A Long Way to Fall from sounding like a toothless ambient piece.
  3. Consequence of Sound
    Jan 25, 2013
    70
    By honing in on sharper song structures instead of billowing vocals and effects, Schnauss has cut past Goodbye's indulgences into a maturation of his unmistakable electronic streak.
  4. Drowned In Sound
    Jan 18, 2013
    70
    A Long Place To Fall might not be outlandish enough to acquire Ulrich Schnauss an entire new legion of fans, but those discovering him for the first time could find far worse places to start.
  5. Beats Per Minute (formerly One Thirty BPM)
    Mar 5, 2013
    68
    Neither cold enough to make a disquieting impression nor warm enough to connect with the listener the way the artist’s own A Strangely Isolated Place or, hell, Amber did.
  6. All Music Guide
    Feb 11, 2013
    60
    While it makes for pleasant music to have on while you are sleeping away the afternoon in a cubicle or fighting insomnia late at night, the album is something of a letdown for anyone who, not unreasonably, came to it expecting something a little more interesting from Schnauss.
  7. The Line of Best Fit
    Feb 11, 2013
    60
    The results can be more chilly than chilled this time, not always making for an easy listen, but there’s certainly a process at play here.
  8. Under The Radar
    Jan 18, 2013
    60
    He may employ very few elements, but Schnauss does a good job in keeping your attention. [Jan-Feb 2013, p.94]
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  9. Uncut
    Jan 18, 2013
    60
    Welcome tweaks to the template, but Schnauss could do with taking a more dramatic step out of his comfort zone. [Feb 2013, p.78]
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  10. Mojo
    Jan 18, 2013
    60
    Motorik-like melodies now overwhelm the miasmic shoegazey tropes. [Feb 2013, p.91]
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  11. This Is Fake DIY
    Jan 22, 2013
    50
    The beauty lies in the flaws, the imperfections, and A Long Way To Fall is way too immersed in picture perfect punctiliousness for this to make any lasting impression.
  12. Pitchfork
    Feb 11, 2013
    43
    Fall's worst moments are queasy and charmless.

User Reviews

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User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 1 more rating

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. Chief
    8
    This album has really grown on me. I wasn't amazed at the first listen, but then... well, tracks like A Forgotten Birthday and A Ritual in Time and Death have become my favourites and when I had the chance to see Ulrich play it live, somehow, I started to like this record even more. The sound is perfect and even though I've never been a huge Schnauss fan, A Long Way to Fall has earned a comfort place in my playlist.… Full Review »
  2. isolotus
    7
    I notice that reviewers here are kind of ho-hum about this album and at first listen it's hard not to agree with y'all. But...I warmed up to it. I was expecting something unearthly beautiful like Strangely Isolated Place or Goodbye hence the expectation factor. I think he really enjoyed making this record, it's more intelligent in a Kraftwerky kind of way, less gorgeous but more subtle and intricate. Listen to it again...… Full Review »
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