An Awesome Wave
by Alt-J
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Sep 18, 2012
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 261 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 238 out of 261
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 261
  3. Negative: 13 out of 261
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  1. JUIKER
    Feb 11, 2016
    10
    One of the best, most interesting albums of the decade. It's bursting with ideas, in my opinion. Listen to it while reading the lyrics, to fully appreciate how odd and artistic it is. I don't rate many albums perfect. And I find it hard to understand the critical reaction to this. Pitchfork really blew it on this one.
  2. sadrans
    Sep 25, 2012
    10
    No other album this year has managed to capture my attention as well as this one. It blends catchy and addictive melodies and a unique voice with a very new sound.
  3. moonman1994
    Sep 23, 2014
    10
    An Awesome Wave is an awesome album. This is because it both has songs, like Breezeblocks and Fitzpleasure, that can stand alone and sound great and at the same time it is able to create a nice atmospheric blend throughout the entire album
  4. rbeard3
    Aug 21, 2012
    10
    A new band from Cambridge is pushing the limits of alternative rock to the edge. With transient beats, folksy guitars, layered vocals, and unpredictable song structures, Alt-J
  5. khw
    Sep 20, 2012
    10
    Simply stunning.......at first, I was hooked by only one or two songs (Tessellate & Something Good), but with each listen, I discover more depth and more to like.
  6. piolhoso
    Apr 11, 2013
    10
    in my opinion an awesome wave is one of the best albums of 2012, beautiful vocals, love the folk influences in the albums, absolutely amazing. I seriously can't stop listening to it, 10/10
  7. PRTYNTGRVS
    Oct 22, 2013
    10
    This experimental mix of the genres form a sound that refuses to be classified for it jumps from one genre to the next as the album progresses.Each track jumps onto you with an entirely different feel and it gives the album some texture and keeps it interesting for the listener, because you don’t know what’s going to happen next. Alt-J is a different band from any other and so is theirThis experimental mix of the genres form a sound that refuses to be classified for it jumps from one genre to the next as the album progresses.Each track jumps onto you with an entirely different feel and it gives the album some texture and keeps it interesting for the listener, because you don’t know what’s going to happen next. Alt-J is a different band from any other and so is their sound. However since they are heavily influenced by many other genres, it will sure enough crack open a special niche in your brain, just for them. The experience after listening really is rewarding and refreshing, like an awesome wave. It's not for everyone, but open up to them and you'll be pretty damn glad you did. Underneath all the convoluted composition, is a vibrant, pure personality begging to be heard.… Expand
  8. raviopatra
    Nov 17, 2013
    10
    Perfect combination of smart lyrics, great music, and unique sound. It opens up nicely with the Intro and "Ripe & Ruin" before taking me into deep pleasure with "Tesselate" and the quirky "Breezeblocks". The album has been out for a year now and I am nowhere near bored. "Fitzpleasure" and "Matilda" have been my latest obsession, though. This is definitely a tremendous effort for a debutPerfect combination of smart lyrics, great music, and unique sound. It opens up nicely with the Intro and "Ripe & Ruin" before taking me into deep pleasure with "Tesselate" and the quirky "Breezeblocks". The album has been out for a year now and I am nowhere near bored. "Fitzpleasure" and "Matilda" have been my latest obsession, though. This is definitely a tremendous effort for a debut album. "An Awesome Wave" is actually the only album that has been played more than 1,000 times on my media player. It's just way too addictive.… Collapse
  9. schreckenheimer
    Apr 15, 2014
    10
    From Ars Nova to Dubstep in one album. Alt-J offers a very refreshing approach to music.
    Firmly roted in european musical tradition at the same time exploring brand new territories.
    Yet "An Awesome Wave" doesn't feel weird at all, I simply can't get enough of it.
  10. Clairsentient
    Jul 30, 2014
    10
    Perfect mixture of sounds! The more I listened to this album the more I love it. This album is so amazing! If you are one of those people who just don't care, if you listen to anything different, unique, spontaneous, then Alt-J is the band for you, that´s why I LOVE IT!!!
  11. preach_
    Sep 11, 2014
    10
    At times disjointed, uniquely alien, yet in retrospect beautifully harmonious, the incredible depth and breadth of An Awesome Wave peel away in layers to reveal its many shades with every listen. Truly an achievement.
  12. ShafroPlaysMC
    Oct 6, 2014
    10
    The first song i ever heard by Alt-J was Breezeblocks. I was instantly hooked. I started off listening to a few of their songs including Tessellate, Fitzpleasure, Something Good, and Taro. Now i listen to the entire album and enjoy every second of it. From the moment i first heard them, I knew that they would be my favorite band. That will never change.
  13. Redical457
    Jul 18, 2020
    10
    8 Years later and this Album feels as fresh as on its release day. I highly recommend listening.
  14. T00NS
    Nov 25, 2022
    10
    10/10 would recommend! Every single song is a perfect blend of indie, rock, folk, and pop!
  15. jackofallfaiths
    Jun 20, 2012
    9
    What can I say? One of the best, if not the best albums I've listened to this year. Complex, nerdy and catchy all at once! If Fleet Foxes were into electronic music and enjoyed geometric metaphors this is the album they'd make!
  16. Hipsteran
    Dec 8, 2012
    9
    With Alt J, I once again appreciated U.K's taste in music. From Tessellate to Taro (Taro might be the best track of 2012) and Bloodflood, An Awesome Wave is easily the best indie album of 2012.
  17. AlexxTrusc
    Jun 18, 2012
    9
    Even the intro on the album reveals the nature of the CD . Alternative rock compositions, mixed with a variety of electronic inserts and vocal filters give the songs a special character, which sometimes takes strange forms - which is evident even after a bit psychedelic a capella song "(Interlude 1)" or "Tessallate". Each composition on the disc has something innovative to offer, so thatEven the intro on the album reveals the nature of the CD . Alternative rock compositions, mixed with a variety of electronic inserts and vocal filters give the songs a special character, which sometimes takes strange forms - which is evident even after a bit psychedelic a capella song "(Interlude 1)" or "Tessallate". Each composition on the disc has something innovative to offer, so that time spent on "An Awesome Wave" goes very quickly.… Expand
  18. MonsieurMazure
    Jun 6, 2012
    9
    One Of a best album of this year.

    Simplement agréable, on y retrouve diverses influences, la voix rappelle les Fleet Foxes, bref un album entre indie rock, pop, electronic, et hip hop, où l'on retiendra Alt-J.
  19. RedSeamonster
    Dec 16, 2012
    9
    First off, I would like to state that this album is a complete success. The lyrical talent of this band is incredible, and all of the songs have interesting meanings and almost all have "plots" of their own. From references to books, movies and common life events, this album is simply a joy to listen to. It's upbeat and quite entertaining to listen to.
  20. omniscient
    Jul 11, 2013
    9
    Alt-J's An Awesome Wave captures the essence of indie music by producing a unique, universally appealing sound. The music is smart and engaging, enough so that any fan of music should give An Awesome Wave a listen.
  21. jotaeseche
    Sep 7, 2014
    9
    Though it may lack power, the precision, emotion and cohesion this album expresses from start to end, leaves oneself satisfied and astonished. And though it may not be a master piece, this work opens the path to what certainly is a band to keep an eye on. Original and exquisitely aesthetic.
  22. Ghostsearch
    Jul 4, 2016
    9
    One of my favorite albums of 2012. Alt-J brings a very unique style that is very pleasant and mostly relaxing to listen too. The singer has a voice unlike anyone else and he uses it to perfection on this album. I have listened to the songs on this album hundreds of times already and it never gets old. I definitely would recommend this album and Alt-J in general to my friends.
  23. Kidocosmic
    Feb 5, 2018
    9
    A quality indie album that mixes inspirations of indie pop all the way to indie rock this album carries itself off the character that the main vocalist portrays. A kinda kooky character that switches through pure singing to borderline rapping over beautiful instrumentals.
  24. MusiclyMade
    Jul 12, 2012
    8
    Although 'An Awesome Wave' not perfect, Alt-J have managed to blend together the abrasive synths, "nerdy" attitude and delicate instrumentation effectively. However, lead singles 'Breezeblocks' and 'Fitzpleasure' dominate the attention paid to this album and feel so much bigger and better than some of the fillers.
  25. Vampire25
    Nov 24, 2012
    8
    Didn't take long for this album to really grow on me. The musicianship feels like they've been a band for years and have recorded several great albums, but this their debut album. That's impressive. The only need for improvement could be the lyrics, but once this album sinks into your head, it's quite easy to overlook that. All In All, An Awesome Wave starts out strong and ends on a greatDidn't take long for this album to really grow on me. The musicianship feels like they've been a band for years and have recorded several great albums, but this their debut album. That's impressive. The only need for improvement could be the lyrics, but once this album sinks into your head, it's quite easy to overlook that. All In All, An Awesome Wave starts out strong and ends on a great note. I recommend this record.… Expand
  26. WeAreTheFilter
    Jul 17, 2012
    8
    Who would have thought that one of the year
  27. agunsux
    Dec 9, 2012
    8
    Mercury Prize Winner this year. Debut album. They
  28. Melea01
    Apr 6, 2013
    8
    Their sound is intriguing. When I first listening I wasn't sure what to make of it, but I couldn't stop listening. For about a month straight. And the more I listened, the more I appreciated the uniqueness. Fast forward a few months and I'm still as intrigued as ever.
  29. moslegend34
    Dec 14, 2014
    8
    'Please don't go, please don't go...'
    Brillant debut album. Whether its the melodic chords and computers in 'Tesselate', the fantastic lead guitar in 'Breezeblocks' or the vocal range in 'Matilda', Alt J have ticked many boxes in this alternative album. While the post alum hype comparing them to rock legends Radiohead are premature, they certainly look to have all the makings of a great    'Please don't go, please don't go...'
    Brillant debut album. Whether its the melodic chords and computers in 'Tesselate', the fantastic lead guitar in 'Breezeblocks' or the vocal range in 'Matilda', Alt J have ticked many boxes in this alternative album. While the post alum hype comparing them to rock legends Radiohead are premature, they certainly look to have all the makings of a great band.
    The band is young, yet their songs have meaning. Its only their first album, yet it contains a variety of both upbeat and downbeat songs- fitting for either a movie soundtrack or a chilled sunday afternoon in front of the telly.
    Here is my token nitpicking:
    -Some of the songs are a little repetitive in structure,
    -Some of the songs are fillers and border dangerously on pop or hippie music,
    -While the songs are dynamic, there is no real 'hit' or a major 'house blown down riff slightly concerning for a young and eager group of talented musicians; they're almost too mellow and subtle.

    Overall, an fine effort. Plenty to write home about for British alt rock fans.    … Expand
  30. timur808
    May 26, 2017
    8
    #bathtubmuzik. Very fine album for a good late night bath. The lyrics are interesting and give you something to think about and discuss with your significant rubber ducky. The musical part and all the synths are mesmerizing, so this is for really hot baths only. I would pair this with nice pear cider and the most colorful bathbomb you can find (this is pretty much a requirement from the#bathtubmuzik. Very fine album for a good late night bath. The lyrics are interesting and give you something to think about and discuss with your significant rubber ducky. The musical part and all the synths are mesmerizing, so this is for really hot baths only. I would pair this with nice pear cider and the most colorful bathbomb you can find (this is pretty much a requirement from the band themselves. Just look at the album cover). Now, go make that awesome wave in the tub, but don't splash too much on the floor.

    Best bath song: Breezeblocks due to bath-themed lyrics.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Most Discussed Album of 2012
40
#40 Most Shared Album of 2012

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Mar 13, 2013
    67
    Alt-J crafts an ethereal ocean of sound that's remarkably cohesive-at once strange and familiar.
    Read full review
  2. Expert Witness (MSN Music)
    Feb 26, 2013
    83
    This Leeds-to-Cambridge foursome's unhurried electro-mesh is always more than pleasant and half the time mildly enthralling.
    Read full review
  3. The A.V. Club
    Nov 20, 2012
    50
    An Awesome Wave washes over its beached listeners, pleasantly cooling them for a second, then making its retreat back into an ocean of sameness.
    Read full review
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