Axes
by Electrelane
  • Record Label: Too Pure
  • Release Date: May 10, 2005
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10

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  1. RayD
    Jun 2, 2005
    9
    After Electrelane's last record, I can see how someone might be initially disappointed in Axes. This is an album of moments rather than songs - a good chunk of the songs are instrumental - and as such it isn't going to appeal to a casual listener. But those that give it time and let it sink in will find that it not only tops most of The Power Out, it could go head to head with After Electrelane's last record, I can see how someone might be initially disappointed in Axes. This is an album of moments rather than songs - a good chunk of the songs are instrumental - and as such it isn't going to appeal to a casual listener. But those that give it time and let it sink in will find that it not only tops most of The Power Out, it could go head to head with the best music released this year. I can't explain the lukewarm critical reception of this record, except that maybe Electrelane is a band that will be remembered by history, if not appreciated in their time.… Collapse
  2. SethC.
    May 20, 2005
    9
    I dont understand how people are dissapointed by this record. from start to finish, its an impressive and engaging record showing their expansive songwriting ability and trumpeting the fact that her voice is merely an added instrument, that comes in and drops out in all the right places. i would recommend specific songs, but its essential that it be treated as an actual album as a whole, I dont understand how people are dissapointed by this record. from start to finish, its an impressive and engaging record showing their expansive songwriting ability and trumpeting the fact that her voice is merely an added instrument, that comes in and drops out in all the right places. i would recommend specific songs, but its essential that it be treated as an actual album as a whole, and not just a collection of songs.you wont hear another record this year that sounds like this. these girls are awesome.… Expand
  3. ThierryC
    May 11, 2005
    6
    Not bad, but disappointing. Ideas that once sounded fresh and exciting are now a bit tired.
  4. WayneB
    May 25, 2005
    8
    This UK band continues to evolve their unique blend of musical genres, i.e., Krautrock (Neu!/Can), boogie-woogie rock n' roll ("Blue" Gene Tyranny laced piano), and on perhaps their best song to date, "I Keep Losing Heart", you might even notice the band's fondness of modern minimalist Steve Reich. Electrelene continues to evolve/impress and here's hoping these ladies stay This UK band continues to evolve their unique blend of musical genres, i.e., Krautrock (Neu!/Can), boogie-woogie rock n' roll ("Blue" Gene Tyranny laced piano), and on perhaps their best song to date, "I Keep Losing Heart", you might even notice the band's fondness of modern minimalist Steve Reich. Electrelene continues to evolve/impress and here's hoping these ladies stay around to bring us more delicious surprises in the 2nd half of this decade. Very highly recommended this release to new listeners!… Expand
  5. thomasc
    Jul 29, 2005
    8
    possibly their best album - exceptional post-punk
  6. Josie-AnneH
    Dec 13, 2005
    10
    You won't be able to listen to anything else for months!

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Stylus Magazine
    75
    I’ll always give credit for trying something new, but I’d expect a bit more from Electrelane after the strength of their prior album.
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  2. Under The Radar
    70
    Fans of The Power Out are thrown enough of a bone with Axes to stick with Electrelane for another album, but let's hope that the former is not ultimately the anomaly. [#9]
  3. Playlouder
    40
    While there's some fresh experimenting and choral loveliness, it sounds formulaic and tired by Electrelane's standards.
    Read full review
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