• Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Jul 12, 2005
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 23
  2. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. Alpine Static, while inherently visceral, is also emotionally gripping.
  2. It highlights their talent for finding the core of invention within repetition, and suggests far greater peaks (and much greener valleys) in their future.
  3. While they haven't completely redrawn themselves, Alpine Static does signify a step forward for Kinski with its unashamed embrace of guitar rock.
  4. Alpine Static unquestionably contains enough rock fireworks to warrant repeated listens.
  5. Alternative Press
    80
    Dizzying psychedelic bong-fodder that requires neither psychedelics nor bongs. [Aug 2005, p.176]
  6. Uncut
    80
    This controlled bedlam is just the thing for fans of the similarly explosive, experimental and exploratory sounds of Comets On Fire, Oneida and Black Mountain. [Aug 2005, p.97]
  7. One would think the standard tension/release moments would get tiresome, but most of the album has an energy that makes you forget about anything that might seem redundant.
  8. You'll need patience and a handful of Ritalin to get through the second half of the LP, even die-hard fans.
  9. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Their driving, distortion-drenched compositions are all about getting somewhere you never reach. [29 Jul 2005, p.67]
  10. Kinski’s boldest statement to date.
  11. While there's a noticeable over-reliance on antiquated classic rock bravado, there's plenty of space to explore here to keep the most discerning noise-rock fan interested.
  12. If you are the sort of person who thinks of cannabis in terms of how much you smoke a day rather than how much you smoke in a month or a year, then you are going to like this album very much indeed.
  13. Each of these tracks will peel your face off and serve as the equivalent of hooking your brain to a nuclear reactor.
  14. A shot of raw psych rock that's as adventurous as it is accessible.
  15. Kinski seems too satisfied with going down the road that isn't less traveled, and that makes all the difference. This is a pity, because there are, in fact, moments of brilliance within these walls of cock rock impersonation and intellectual thievery.
  16. Paste Magazine
    60
    This nostalgic psych appeal proves ideal for impulsive summertime road trips. [Aug/Sep 2005, p.128]
  17. There’s just not much to get; these 9 tracks awkwardly move from one improvident moment to the next, collectively assembling a record that might elevate the mood of an extreme skiing video but does little to lift conciseness.
  18. Kinski have the potential, the skill, the other requisite intangibles to be awe-inspiring, but somehow they keep shooting left of the mark.
  19. Under The Radar
    70
    If you treat their stuff like background music, it's going to act like it. Turn it up and let it in. [#10, p.111]
  20. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    Like Sabbath in a washing machine during a power surge. [16 Jul 2005, p.50]
  21. Magnet
    50
    The hooks fail to sink in, and Kinski is occasionally too clever for its own good. [#68, p.100]
  22. Mojo
    60
    Experimental longueurs and lack of vocals mean this trip's not for everyone, but out-rock fans should get on board. [Aug 2005, p.109]
  23. There's no question of Sonic Youth's continued influence on Kinski. But Alpine Static is a progression within the context of the band's own discography, and that's important.

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