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Axes
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  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Axes Image
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

  • Summary: The Brighton, England band re-teams with producer Steve Albini, but downplays the vocals of prior outing 'The Power Out' in favor of a mainly instrumental approach similar to that of their debut.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Urb
    80
    The songs heave with shockingly real energy. [May 2005, p.85]
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  2. Junkmedia
    80
    While it feels like they're still finding their way and discovering what they're capable of, it's clear there's potential for greatness and longevity.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    Electrelane could do with tightening their concentration spans, but everything else is just fine and dandy thank you. [7 May 2005, p.66]
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  4. The New York Times
    70
    Take a riff, expand it into a chord or two, repeat and crescendo and speed up until the big drone is everywhere. It's a simple strategy, but it still works for Electrelane. [10 Jul 2005]
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  5. AllMusic
    70
    There are too many stumbles and missed opportunities to consider the album anything but disappointing.
  6. Mojo
    70
    Courageous eccentricity it is, then. [Jun 2005, p.106]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Q Magazine
    40
    There's little here that lingers. [Jun 2005, p.111]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 23 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Josie-AnneH
    Dec 13, 2005
    10
    You won't be able to listen to anything else for months!
  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 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
  4. 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 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.… Expand
  5. 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" 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!… Collapse
  6. thomasc
    Jul 29, 2005
    8
    possibly their best album - exceptional post-punk
  7. ThierryC
    May 11, 2005
    6
    Not bad, but disappointing. Ideas that once sounded fresh and exciting are now a bit tired.

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