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Antiphon
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Antiphon Image
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth full-length release for the Texas rock band is its first without singer Tim Smith, who left in November 2012.
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  • Record Label: ATO
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Rock, Alternative Singer/Songwriter
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. Clash Music
    Nov 6, 2013
    90
    Antiphon is going to divide opinion, but give it a chance--it might just be the best thing they’ve ever done.
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Nov 4, 2013
    80
    Despite the undercurrents of melancholia, Antiphon is another impeccably realised meld of bucolic 70s folk and radio-friendly soft rock, as warm and assured as it is adventurous.
  3. Q Magazine
    Nov 21, 2013
    80
    These Texans stick to the plan: the concoction of very wonderful thinking-dudes' rock albums, recycling yesteryear's classic vinyl. [Dec 2013, p.110]
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  4. Drowned In Sound
    Oct 30, 2013
    70
    Is it Pulido? The absence of Smith? The third act crawl? In truth, all play a damaging part. Despite these irks, Antiphon is everything that it needs to be; a new beginning, loaded with promise. That's enough for now.
  5. PopMatters
    Nov 14, 2013
    70
    The most effective songs on Antiphon are those that one-up the band’s former approach with confidence, skill and purpose.
  6. No Ripcord
    Jan 13, 2014
    60
    The tempos vary, sort of, but there’s a mood on this record that’s hard to qualify and never wavers.
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    Nov 4, 2013
    30
    They swiftly slump back into portentous jams made for mourning failed crops, made worse by the ye olde farmhand Yoda-isms of Eric Pulido.

See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. atph99
    Dec 11, 2013
    10
    This is Midlake's best work, and that says a lot. It still has that "Midlake sound" with the old time lyrics and tons of harmonies but it'sThis is Midlake's best work, and that says a lot. It still has that "Midlake sound" with the old time lyrics and tons of harmonies but it's even better than the Courage of Others or Trials of Van Occupather. The swirling synths, reverbed out vocals, ridiculous drums will swoon you over after one listen. If you like Midlake or not this album must be listened to immediately.… Expand
  2. Slowave
    Nov 10, 2013
    7
    While there isn't any "Roscoe" on here, and the emotional croons of Tim Smith are definitely missed, it doesn't take long for this album toWhile there isn't any "Roscoe" on here, and the emotional croons of Tim Smith are definitely missed, it doesn't take long for this album to make more of an impression than "Courage of Others" did. While it does, at times, end up feeling a bit repetitive and slogged down in the same sounding rut, that rut is much more interesting and open to variety and moodiness. There are a few stand out songs on here, and it often feels like an album that the Fleet Foxes would put out after two weeks in the studio. Not a bad thing, really. Very decent album, but not likely to maintain a spot in your car CD player for more than a few weeks.… Expand
  4. yannbgiraud
    Nov 10, 2013
    6
    Following the departure of bandleader Tim Smith, the band tries to expand its sound and refine its soft-rock approach. Unfortunately, whileFollowing the departure of bandleader Tim Smith, the band tries to expand its sound and refine its soft-rock approach. Unfortunately, while the musicianship is top-notch from start to finish, you can't escape thinking that there is a lack of real songs. Most of the pieces here sound more like barely organized jams than full-fledged compositions. There is a feeling that the band had taken real pleasure in doing it but they need to be more serious about songwriting next time.… Collapse