Back To The Web
by Elf Power
  • Record Label: Rykodisc
  • Release Date: Apr 25, 2006
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. AllMusic
    60
    Though some Elf Power fans may be satisfied with the few songs that are reminiscent of the band's previous records ("The World Is Waiting," "23rd Dream") and the abstract, occasionally prog-like references to masters and kings, others may be disappointed, or at least confused, by the focus on experimenting with dark, Middle Eastern-inspired drones mixed with Western pop/folk sensibilities.
  2. Drowned In Sound
    60
    It is all too easily consigned to background music if you stop paying attention.
  3. Uncut
    60
    Another melodic, meticulous, faintly redundant restoration job. [Jul 2006, p.90]
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  5. Prefix Magazine
    50
    It's hard to figure out what exactly the concept is behind this concept album.
  6. Paste Magazine
    50
    Back to the Web finds the band at its best when Elf Power shakes off its drowsiness and recaptures glimpses of its former weirdness. [Aug 2006, p.95]
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  7. Under The Radar
    40
    Elf Power clearly have a grasp of their production... but the songs, however crisp and clear, don't grab you as they have in that past. [Summer 2006, p.88]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Brendan
    Jun 8, 2006
    4
    Some intriguing tracks abound, but Elf Power has lost their way. Like fellow Athenians R.E.M., pretentious experimentation and vain attempts Some intriguing tracks abound, but Elf Power has lost their way. Like fellow Athenians R.E.M., pretentious experimentation and vain attempts to incorporate Beatlesque instrumentation to their basic power-pop sound has taken the place of writing the catchy-as-hell melodies heard on masterpieces like "Walking With the Beggar Boys," the group's best record. This is one of the biggest disappointments so far this year.… Full Review »
  2. brianm
    May 20, 2006
    7
    This album is much more mellow than the last Elf Power record. The amped-up T-Rex riffage (which I liked) that dominated Beggar Boys is This album is much more mellow than the last Elf Power record. The amped-up T-Rex riffage (which I liked) that dominated Beggar Boys is replaced with folky-acoustic guitar driven songs about nature and so forth. Which may be a good or a bad thing. The album is barely over 30 minutes long and breezes by quickly. A good enough listen for beginners and a solid album for fans.… Full Review »
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