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An Awesome Wave
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An Awesome Wave Image
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 261 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the debut full-length album for the British quartet who met at Leeds University.
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Breezeblocks
She may contain the urge to run away But hold her down with soggy clothes and breezeblocks Citrezene your fevers gripped me again Never kisses all... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Clash Music
    May 25, 2012
    90
    Young, yet somehow void of naivety. Vibrant, yet artistically matured.
  2. Prefix Magazine
    Sep 19, 2012
    90
    You can see every angle and every side of the shape they've made. And the unimpeachable logic of each song, added to their odd tunefulness of the songs, makes them exciting to listen to.
  3. DIY Magazine
    May 25, 2012
    80
    A complete joy.
  4. Q Magazine
    Oct 12, 2012
    80
    There's undeniably something new and intriguing going on here. [Jul 2012, p.95]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Exclaim
    Sep 18, 2012
    70
    Despite sounding more like Radiohead's wistful indie-pop nephews than the genuine article, alt-J are a group offering moderate experimentalism that'll serve as an effective gateway for younger fans.
  6. Austin Chronicle
    Mar 13, 2013
    67
    Alt-J crafts an ethereal ocean of sound that's remarkably cohesive-at once strange and familiar.
  7. Mojo
    Jun 26, 2012
    40
    The whole album is uncertain and unconvincing. [Jul 2012, p.94]
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See all 20 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 42
  3. Negative: 6 out of 42
  1. T00NS
    Nov 25, 2022
    10
    10/10 would recommend! Every single song is a perfect blend of indie, rock, folk, and pop!
  2. 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 awayAt 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.… Expand
  4. 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    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.    … Expand
  5. 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 vocalEven 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
  6. clem666
    Oct 9, 2020
    8
    A surprising debut album for english trio Alt-J combining Hip-hop, Folk and progressive pop styles. Vocals are simply astonishing, the albumA surprising debut album for english trio Alt-J combining Hip-hop, Folk and progressive pop styles. Vocals are simply astonishing, the album sounds like an imposing fresco extending over a wide range of vocalisations. Percussions are barely omnipresent, which is both excellent and boring, because it ends up taking too much space in this piece of work. Excepted drums, other instruments are flawless, like the soft guitar of 'Matilda' or the electro-style of 'Fitzpleasure'. An Awesome Wave won't stop surprising you if you don't already know it.… Expand
  7. WeAreTheFilter
    Jul 17, 2012
    8
    Who would have thought that one of the year
  8. PRADAPRADA
    Dec 30, 2013
    0
    An album and a band that have ripped off Leeds' finest, Wild Beasts, to a shameless, crass and pitiful extent. Derived tosh with no heart.An album and a band that have ripped off Leeds' finest, Wild Beasts, to a shameless, crass and pitiful extent. Derived tosh with no heart. They have come and gone now, but I shall not forget the brief time they managed to pull the wool over those less than astute publications' eyes. (looking at you NME!)… Collapse

See all 42 User Reviews

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

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