Before The World Was Big
by Girlpool
  • Record Label: Wichita
  • Release Date: Jun 2, 2015
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. The Line of Best Fit
    Jun 1, 2015
    90
    The emotional gravity carried by its brevity and simplicity, a quantum leap from last year's self-titled EP, is nothing less than astounding.
  2. Mojo
    Jul 6, 2015
    80
    It's brevity, meanwhile, ensures this sweetly, powerful group don't wear out their welcome. [Aug 2015, p.93]
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  3. AllMusic
    Jun 1, 2015
    80
    Even more than on their first release, Girlpool feel like a unit, totally locked into each other musically and emotionally, and their stark presentation remains a boon to their risky and appealingly human songs.
  5. Exclaim
    Jun 1, 2015
    80
    Before the World Was Big hears Girlpool unapologetically channelling some big feelings in a way that sounds brash without being bratty, and emotional but not without an empowering message.
  6. The New York Times
    Jun 1, 2015
    80
    These songs, written and sung with more subtlety since the group’s first EP from late last year.... It almost doesn’t matter what they’re singing about. The sound of their voices together contains it all.
  7. DIY Magazine
    Jun 1, 2015
    80
    Cleo Tucker and Harmony Tividad have already proven themselves as songwriters with a great deal of potential, and their debut record properly only confirms that they’re only just getting started.
  8. Drowned In Sound
    May 29, 2015
    80
    Before the World Was Big is a record that will help you appreciate the 'good old days' whilst you're still in them; it's a record that will make you feel okay about the unsettling aspects of the future and it's a record that will make you wanna hug your pals and never let them go.
  9. Uncut
    May 28, 2015
    80
    Introspective, diaristic songs that make a virtue of their simplicity. [Jul 2015, p.76]
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  10. New Musical Express (NME)
    May 28, 2015
    80
    This brilliant half-hour of punky Americana is a chance to read the journals of the coolest kids in town.
  11. Pitchfork
    Jun 5, 2015
    78
    Romanticism occurs in the distance between what might happen and what does, and listening to Before the World Was Big feels like walking through this exalted liminal space.
  12. The 405
    May 28, 2015
    75
    While it was a throwaway reference earlier, the contrast between Girlpool and LCD Soundsystem exhibits why Before The World Was Big is such a refreshing listen.
  13. Consequence
    May 28, 2015
    75
    Their songs run thick with the anxiety of uprooting, but they’re also rich with characters, some of whom are referred to affectionately by name.
  14. Under The Radar
    Jul 23, 2015
    70
    This minimalist album sounds as if anti-folk heroes The Moldy Peaches had replaced Adam Green with an extra Kimya Dawson.
  15. Spin
    Jun 3, 2015
    70
    Tucker and Tividad have discovered their indie-pop Neverland, and a fanciful, free-flowing sound to suit it.
  16. Rolling Stone
    Jun 2, 2015
    70
    Though Girlpool keep the volume low, their lonely comes through loud and clear.
  17. PopMatters
    Jun 1, 2015
    70
    Before the World Was Big is short but surprisingly sweet.
  18. musicOMH.com
    May 29, 2015
    70
    Girlpool’s debut may not be without fault, but that is ultimately what makes it such a charming little record.
  19. Clash Music
    May 28, 2015
    70
    There is more than enough emotional sensitivity available between the duo without resorting to being just like everyone else, and for that reason (amongst many others) this fragile, coming-of-age album should be celebrated.

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