Alternative Light Source
by Leftfield
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. The Line of Best Fit
    Jun 10, 2015
    85
    Put simply, Alternative Light Source manages to sound both fresh and exciting, and like old Leftfield all at once.
  2. Clash Music
    Jun 25, 2015
    80
    Alternative Light Source is a worthy successor to 'Rhythm & Stealth', not as sparse or hard hitting but brimming with energy, ideas and familiar Leftfield diaphragm-rattling bass.
  3. AllMusic
    Jun 22, 2015
    80
    The lack of urgency is also welcome, with Alternative Light Source slowly unfurling as the most natural and comfortable Leftfield album to date.
  5. Record Collector
    Jun 18, 2015
    80
    The performances are sterling and there’s a clear intention to deliver rounded albums, not just drifting techno selections.
  6. Mojo
    Jun 8, 2015
    80
    Despite the extended sabbatical, Leftfield’s muscular, invigorating presence remains undimmed.
  7. The Observer (UK)
    Jun 8, 2015
    80
    The new record doesn’t really break any moulds but it is a masterpiece of texture.
  8. Uncut
    Jun 5, 2015
    80
    The impressive Alternative Light Source sees Barnes picking up, with a snarl, where the pair left off. [Jul 2015, p.78]
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  9. musicOMH.com
    Jun 5, 2015
    80
    There are some spine-tingling moments here.
  10. The Guardian
    Jun 5, 2015
    80
    There’s shade as well as light, too: Dark Matters is beautiful, its minor-key arpeggios glistening in the twilight.
  11. Q Magazine
    Jun 8, 2015
    60
    For better or worse, this is exactly how you'd expect the third Leftfield album to sound. [Jul 2015, p.107]
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  12. Drowned In Sound
    Jun 5, 2015
    60
    While the instrumentals service Barnes well, when guest vocalists--once a hallmark of Leftfield’s work (John Lydon’s vocals on ‘Open Up’ still feel perfect)--the album broaches less solid ground.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. yolatenga
    Sep 25, 2015
    9
    Love it, hard to have another stab at what was already perfected on Leftism....thrilling, compelling, superbly produced and well worth theLove it, hard to have another stab at what was already perfected on Leftism....thrilling, compelling, superbly produced and well worth the wait. Roll on number four.… Full Review »
  2. Muddsjr
    Sep 5, 2015
    4
    The album feels extremely limited, and though Bilocution and Universal Everything are thrilling and wonderful to listen to, they are also theThe album feels extremely limited, and though Bilocution and Universal Everything are thrilling and wonderful to listen to, they are also the only thrilling and wonderful moments, before the truly awful Head and Shoulders comes on, and everything generally slides downhill afterwards.… Full Review »
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