Allah-Las
by Allah-Las
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. The Fly (UK)
    Dec 7, 2012
    90
    A spectacular, modern take on a classic, timeworn formula.
  2. Pitchfork
    Nov 30, 2012
    69
    Allah-Las are ultimately preoccupied with sound above all else. So long as there are 12-string guitars, four-piece drumkits, and lots and lots of reverb, the rest of the world can go away.
  3. The Quietus
    Nov 29, 2012
    60
    With little meat on the bones, it's difficult wrap your jaws around and as those occasional deep-filled prog wig-outs keep slipping away, they provide a glimmer of hope, but the doses are far too small and far too measured to have any real effect.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    Nov 26, 2012
    60
    As much as the album is warm, wistful and pleasant, every song is a variation on the others, using similar chords and the same key, although final track 'Long Journey' packs more of a punch.
  6. Mojo
    Nov 21, 2012
    80
    It's all wonderful stuff here. [Dec 2012, p.85]
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  7. Q Magazine
    Nov 21, 2012
    60
    Impeccable taste and genuine love shines through like sunlight on grimy garage windows. [Dec 2012, p.99]
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  8. The Observer (UK)
    Nov 19, 2012
    60
    Girl trouble is foremost among their concerns on period-perfect gems such as Tell Me (What's on Your Mind).
  9. The Guardian
    Nov 15, 2012
    60
    It's all very respectful--the attention to period detail sees them drop in a none-more-65 bossa nova instrumental--and all very pleasant. But there's no single killer song, no moment where they add anything to their borrowings to make you sit up and take notice.
  10. PopMatters
    Nov 13, 2012
    70
    It's a hazy, California rock record, building off older sounds but never being trapped by them.
  11. Uncut
    Oct 26, 2012
    80
    This self-titled debut is a joy. [Dec 2012, p.64]
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  12. Consequence
    Oct 26, 2012
    80
    It's so obviously rendered from the hearts of its band members, four sensitive guys who wanted to make some music about love, and there's something beautifully honest, vulnerable, and likable about that.
  13. AllMusic
    Oct 26, 2012
    70
    It might be nice to hear them amp it up a bit on their next record for a change of pace, but this works just fine as a bummed-out garage trip.
  14. Filter
    Oct 26, 2012
    80
    Resurrecting ghosts of endless summers past, Allah-Las are modern surf and psych-rock at its best.

Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Most Shared Album of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. nooblet1
    May 13, 2014
    9
    The entire album is amazing, but, Ela Navega kind of kills it in the middle. Just take out that song from your playlist and enjoy on repeatThe entire album is amazing, but, Ela Navega kind of kills it in the middle. Just take out that song from your playlist and enjoy on repeat all summer long.… Full Review »
  2. instatone
    Oct 1, 2013
    8
    The sound these garage-sound guys are able to replicate from the sixties is not to be overlooked, nor are the lovely hooks or lyrics. TheThe sound these garage-sound guys are able to replicate from the sixties is not to be overlooked, nor are the lovely hooks or lyrics. The guitar, sound, and vocals are a throwback but still pepper in fresh sentiments about the beach and heartbreak. Although there are only a couple of standout tracks, it does have a cohesiveness. It's a must-have for anyone who enjoys garage rock purists.… Full Review »
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