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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.

Strange Geometry
by The Clientele


8.7

based on 19 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

based on 14 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album

Brian O'Shaughnessy produced the atmospheric UK band's second studio album.

LABEL:	Merge
RELEASE DATE:	11 October 2005
DISCS:	1 disc
GENRE(S):	Indie, Rock

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Billboard

A hauntingly beautiful album with tender, melodic pop arrangements that really make a lasting impression.

The Onion (A.V. Club)

For anyone who's never heard The Clientele before, this is the record to get.

Filter

A brilliantly subtle string section and sparkling production make this walkabout even more visual and complex. [#17, p.102]

Pitchfork

The slight nods to accessibility and the decreased stylization might disappoint some of the faithful at first, but Strange Geometry grows more appealing with repeated listening.

Stylus Magazine

The restraint the whole band shows, on this, their most finished and instantly effective album, becomes something more than respectable: the Clientele’s commitment to their own sound has crystallized into something almost wonderful.

Uncut

Beguiling. [Oct 2005, p.107]

cokemachineglow

Another understated near-masterpiece from a band that doesn’t need to make a bang to make a deep impression.

Paste Magazine

It's an instant late-night classic that's a pleasure to stay awake for. [Dec 2005, p.119]

All Music Guide

Despite a few sleepy moments on the album's second half, Strange Geometry has more flair and movement than Violet Hour, and perfects the band's ability to be uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time.

Dusted Magazine

Here’s a band so fond of their particular brand of mid-tempo dream pop that they do not feel compelled to try anything else. At least they take the time to be particularly observant as they comb their territory.

PopMatters

A more satisfying disc than its predecessors.

Lost At Sea

Strange Geometry is something special to listen to; it feels like an album to treat yourself to as a reward for lovely deeds.

Q Magazine

With repeated listens, [Geometry] grows in stature, full of intriguing neo-psychedelia. [Oct 2005, p.121]

Splendid

The Clientele have crafted another lovely batch of tunes, perfect for autumnal introspection and wintry solitude -- but somehow it doesn't seem like enough.

Magnet

The crisp production of Strange Geometry does give the group's more sedate inclinations a mild kick in the pants. [#70, p.89]

Tiny Mix Tapes

A collection of overzealous pop songs consisting largely of recycled ideas.

Alternative Press

Strange Geometry is a comely piece of old-fashioned melancholy pop, but it can also quickly turn into sonic wallpaper if you have a wandering mind. [Dec 2005, p.202]

Junkmedia

If you are not in the right mood, Strange Geometry sounds like pretty melodies, plenty of atmosphere, and not a whole let else.

Prefix Magazine

An album that lacks the band’s trademark ebb and flow, Strange Geometry is just plain inferior to the Clientele’s previous work.

The average user rating for this album is 8.7 (out of 10) based on 14 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

[Anonymous] gave it a10:
I have been waiting for an album like this since the 60s ended.

michael k gave it a9:
I'm a child of the 60's and the Clientele certainly bring back some great memories of that time .The songs are crisp and well thought out.Together with Coldplay good music lives on.

JC gave it a10:
The track bookends sum up the album: 'Since K Got Over Me' was single of the year. 'Six of Spades' contains a melody most other songwriters would repeat over and over to milk and convince you it is brilliant. The Clientele use it sparingly, so the song breaks up into a cloud of organs, leaving the listener wanting to repeat the whole album, just to earn this moment again.

Darryl D gave it a10:
Have you ever run your open palm against fresh velvet? The sheen, the soft skin massage, the lush invitation to send more of your flesh its way. Well, your ears deserve some of the action...via alexander palace.

jake k gave it a4:
I'm a huge fan of everything the band has done, but I can't quite turn the corner on this one. Maclean's songwriting is dumbed down and has been replaced with a coat of studio gloss. The result is an album that has style to burn (Phillipe's string arrangements are often stunning), but ultimately just a lot of spinning wheels. Where'd the depth go, lads?

Drea gave it a9:
What is enchanting about this albums is that it's such a great one to listen to during windy, cold long fall evenings.. It creates a special, warm and melancholic atmosphere that you could share around with anyone - a stranger, best friend or just for yourself.

lovers gave it a4:
While I'm big fan of absolutely magical Suburban Light compilation, both Clientele's studio albums do nothing for me, especially this latest one. Magic has long time gone, as they say.

Strange Geometry by The Clientele

Strange Geometry
by The Clientele