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...

100

Delusions of Adequacy

A stunning achievement and the first exceptionally great album of 2006.

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100

Tiny Mix Tapes

So come now fans of insidious and wily (yet cerebral) rock, Liars have delivered just what you need... even if you don't realize it yet.

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100

Alternative Press

The disc may be too weird for people who like their music categorically cut and dried, but adventurous listeners will want to bang Liars' Drum often. [May 2006, p.178]

100

Urb

Unequivocally recommended for the open-minded among us. [Apr 2006, p.86]

Stylus Magazine

A manically strange, darkly and violently beautiful, and deliriously pop album.

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Pitchfork

Drum's Not Dead is a majestic victory lap, and on all levels, a total fucking triumph.

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Playlouder

This is music that relies entirely on feeling, and while not for everyone it is music at its most impulsively, spontaneously creative.

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Drowned In Sound

With their third album, Liars have succeeded in creating the near-impossible; a conceptual work that speaks to the emotions and the intellect simultaneously.

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Entertainment Weekly

There's a subtle beauty amid the madness. [24 Mar 2006, p.70]

The Onion (A.V. Club)

Drips with a sense of myth and mystery.

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cokemachineglow

Perhaps it took a grueling creative journey and a battle with self-doubt to get there, but the end result is a band that has retained its brash experimental flare while discovering its heart.

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Dot Music

Through the course of "Drums Not Dead", you'll endure an unsettling, slightly terrifying experience, the likes of which is rarely committed to record.

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Mojo

The trio's chanting, loops and metal-bashing framework is now fleshed out by some beautiful ambient-noise balladry. [Mar 2006, p.106]

Paste Magazine

Drum is a challenging listen... But as the songs flow one into the next, a powerful tension builds, released finally by the gorgeous closing ballad. [Apr/May 2006, p.108]

Slant Magazine

Every minute of the album demands patience and something resembling concentration.

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Under The Radar

Admittedly, the tracks take multiple listens to truly grasp beyond their primal appeal. [#13, p.92]

Almost Cool

Despite some tracks that take immediate hold, it's another album that takes a little bit of simmering to really sink in.

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ShakingThrough.net

Despite isolated moments of brilliance, Drum’s Not Dead fails to mesh.

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New Musical Express

Out there, sure--but this is the sort of experimentalism Radiohead scoop plaudits for. [18 Feb 2006, p.35]

PopMatters

It is clear that Liars are, just now, coming into their own musically, making music that ebbs and flows and might actually invite emotion as much as it does analysis.

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The New York Times

Pretentious? Absolutely. But the music can also be genuinely eerie. [27 Mar 2006]

Prefix Magazine

It's true that many of these tracks are not for the casual listener, but that's also not the point.

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All Music Guide

Drum's Not Dead is undeniably interesting, but somehow unsatisfying.

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Spin

Kraut-rock drones run together into one long, thudding hum. [Mar 2006, p.95]

Blender

So goofy and heartfelt it's endearing. [Apr 2006, p.114]

Uncut

Much of Drum's Not Dead suggests a Ligeti score for The Blair Witch Project as played by The Residents. [Mar 2006, p.88]

The Guardian

It seems the group have ditched their purposefully disturbing sound for something at once more experimental and listenable.

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Q Magazine

The dual-drumkit, tribal incantations and ominous drones have a pleasing menace but when you factor in the "concept"... patience starts to wane. [Mar 2006, p.111]

Filter

One long ridiculous story/art project gone horribly wrong. [#19, p.92]

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this album is 9.0 (out of 10) based on 52 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Eric C. gave it a9:
An incredible album that many will miss out on due to the mislabeling of this album as difficult and challenging many websites and mags. Stunning post-punk with a serious experimental edge now common in the Brooklyn crowd (though they're in Berlin now). And I give them credit for not backing down when their previous album was attacked for being too bizarre (I still don't get how it was so abrasive for some people, though). They could have gone back to what earned them all that hype on their debut, but instead came out with another wild concept album.. Speeking of which, don't try to study the album based on it's concept. Come for the music and let everything else be cool little surprises. And while I won't take cheap shots at people giving this album low scores, please have a valid argument instead of just that "worst album ever" crap. You're not the f*cking Comic Book Guy.

Bob R gave it a10:
Having the urge to listen to something different yet excellent? Here it is.

R G gave it a9:
the world created by this album begs a listen from anyone interested in the concept of an album. with just the drums a minimal riff and that dudes voice, a world of mountains vs drums is brought to life. through the course there are abstract pictures of varied themes that echo themselves. one of the best in 2006, great live act as well

AView AM gave it a9:
Does anyone even read Filter? God knows I never have. Not as immediately abrasive as They Were Wrong, so not as good *L* but still a triumph on many levels.

Seamus S gave it a10:
I went most of the year thinking that it was a time for the older artist to come back into the true spotlight. Johnny Cash produced what may arguably be his best (at least most human) album ever, American V. Morrissey pulled out a surprisingly well kind of punch with his Tony Visconti produced Ringleader Of The Tourmenters and I had seen nothing in the ways of youth and good music. Beyond Islands I had heard nothing of a younger artist that was worth taking notice until this. Liars "Drums Not Dead" is a primal and great kind of totally ambitious album that doesnt appear much these days. As punishing as it is gorgeous, it's a delicate decent into a darker art rock that hasnt been heard since David Bowie. A Truely beautiful and effecting album.

Alex A gave it a0:
Probably worst album ever. This year's definately.

Mihai V gave it a10:
Best album of 2006. Dark, twisted, angry. A concept album stands alongside Kid A.

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Drum's Not Dead

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