All Hail Bright Futures
by And So I Watch You from Afar
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. Ricko
    Jul 26, 2018
    8
    The future is bright. The future is glorious. The Northern Irish instrumental rockers return with their third record and show that they have plenty of fuel left in the tank yet. Having lost founding member Tony Wright since their last outing, as a fan of the band I was worried about the impact his absence would have on their sound. Rather than having a negative effect on the sound, ASIWYFAThe future is bright. The future is glorious. The Northern Irish instrumental rockers return with their third record and show that they have plenty of fuel left in the tank yet. Having lost founding member Tony Wright since their last outing, as a fan of the band I was worried about the impact his absence would have on their sound. Rather than having a negative effect on the sound, ASIWYFA have expanded their horizons and further developed their style on "All Hail Glorious Futures". The arrangements, which were always complex, now have added dimensions with occasional vocals, synths and the odd string section propping its head up in the far background. These are all peripherals though and the record is still built around the bands incredibly intricate guitar playing and their driving rhythm section. Quality wise, this record never lets up and engages from start to finish. Also, while some of the tracks on their excellent first two albums sometimes tended to be a little long, the material on show here is generally focused and to the point. The albums titles track is a microcosm of the record, tuneful and intricate yet all the the time driving onward, seemingly straightforward but with the devil in the detail.I'd highly recommend this band (who are absolutely incredible live by the way) and would urge you to give this record a listen. Based on this the band's future is bright and glorious.… Expand
  2. TimothyTuatara
    Dec 9, 2013
    9
    Simply put, this is a lovely math rock/instrumental indie rock album from the ASIWYFA. It has fun hooks reminiscent of British Sea Power. It is a melodic and beautiful mess of instrumentation, like a more human and danceable version of Battles. Easily some of the best I've heard this year.
  3. protonjon
    Mar 25, 2013
    9
    This is the best album I've heard all year. ASIWYFA have improved their post-rock sound by adding more instruments, using more vocals and drawing inspiration from other genres.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jun 25, 2013
    80
    Repetitive chants and moments of unfettered melodic joy further bolster or confuse the situation, depending on your mindset. [Jun 2013, p.93]
  2. Kerrang!
    Apr 12, 2013
    60
    This is almost dangerously infectious stuff from ASIWYFA. [23 Mar 2013, p.54]
  3. PopMatters
    Mar 25, 2013
    70
    All Hail Bright Futures might be ASIWYFA’s loudest and quirkiest record, but its brain remains.
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