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Banjo or Freakout
by
Banjo or Freakout Image
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 4 Ratings

  • Summary: The London-based producer, Alessio Natalizia’s project is dreamy and symphonic, with trip hop style drum beats and chill-out grooves.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Drowned In Sound
    Feb 22, 2011
    80
    A top-heavy track-listing does the album's more abstract curios no favours, and some will find it too much to take in in one sitting. But for me, headphones donned and lights extinguished, each submersion is every bit as worthy as the last.
  2. Clash Music
    Feb 22, 2011
    80
    A dizzyingly ferocious support slot on the recent Gold Panda tour proved that London-based producer/remixer Alessio Natalizia's one-time bedroom project is now fully-formed.
  3. AllMusic
    Feb 23, 2011
    70
    He definitely deserves credit for going beyond the usual sounds you might hear on a modern singer/songwriter album and it works often enough to make the record a treat for anyone who wants something confessional and real but not boring.
  4. The Guardian
    Feb 22, 2011
    60
    Musically, there are obvious reference points in the likes of 1990s shoegaze, Brian Eno ambience and Can-like grooves, but his atmospheres are darker and unfathomable.
  5. musicOMH.com
    Mar 1, 2011
    60
    He has talent, he's capable, and he's got a future - there are occasional flashes of creativity-stuffed aptitude - but this time around they're merely flashes.
  6. Uncut
    Feb 25, 2011
    60
    His long awaited debut sees him adding endless waves of muzzy kosmische, softly burred guitar loops, Fripp-like trippiness and heavy psych/space-rock grooves to his arsenal. [Mar 2011, p.83]
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  7. PopMatters
    Apr 15, 2011
    50
    Yup, Banjo or Freakout is definitely best enjoyed at night or stoned, or both.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. leumas
    Feb 23, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers. I was very disappointed with the pitchfork review. It talks about the album like an ambient one and I think that's completely wrong. I also found weird the fact that the reviewer mentioned Panda Bear and Atlas Sound as inspiration points but didn't mention Spacemen 3, Can and Arthur Russell which to me seem closer to what Banjo Or Freakout are doing. There are obvious reference points but the sense of melody and exploration are all Banjo Or Freakout. I'll give it a 10!… Collapse
  2. markbow
    Jul 17, 2012
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Absolutely LOVE this album. I think because of the production it needs a few listens to be fully understood. It's just lovely. To me these songs sound like some little small pop songs hidden underneath layers of noise. Just love it!… Expand