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Bend Beyond Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

  • Summary: The latest full-length album for the Brooklyn band features the debut of new drummer Aaron Neveu.
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  • Record Label: Woodsist
  • Genre(s): Folk, Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Rock, Lo-Fi, Indie Folk
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Nov 20, 2012
    100
    Woods works well to find the right space for each instrument, maintaining the balance between accuracy and capriciousness that continues to define the band.
  2. Sep 18, 2012
    82
    It's a brief culmination of practice making perfect, with Earl and his band showing why they make a new album every year--because more and more often they are getting it right.
  3. Sep 17, 2012
    80
    Woods hit upon some of their clearest depictions of dark emotions on Bend Beyond, while simultaneously offering an escape in the emotive beauty of their music.
  4. Uncut
    Oct 26, 2012
    80
    Earl has often been overshadowed by bands on the Woodsist label he runs, but here Woods are allowed to stand out from the trees. [Dec 2012, p.79]
  5. Sep 18, 2012
    75
    Besides a cyclical feeling that veers the album into the direction of repetition at several points, Bend Beyond is a solid listen.
  6. Oct 2, 2012
    70
    Another solid release.
  7. Sep 17, 2012
    60
    It's hard to get excited about a record that rarely moves from its musical comfort blanket. But there are still moments.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Sep 18, 2012
    9
    Yet another gem from this underrated band. The sound is clearer but the same charm is flowing around as before. One of the best albums of 2012Yet another gem from this underrated band. The sound is clearer but the same charm is flowing around as before. One of the best albums of 2012 so far... Collapse
  2. Oct 20, 2012
    8
    Before starting listening to Bend Beyond, I read a bit about Woods and discovered that, unlike what I thought, this is their seventh album!Before starting listening to Bend Beyond, I read a bit about Woods and discovered that, unlike what I thought, this is their seventh album! However, this album seems so fresh and new! Though it Expand
  3. Sep 25, 2012
    8
    Woods is consistent. If you're a fan they give you what you want, and they give it to you regularly - around the same time every year - aWoods is consistent. If you're a fan they give you what you want, and they give it to you regularly - around the same time every year - a bit like Christmas. While some critics might complain about a lack of "experimentation" or so-called "adventure," I'm happy to hear the band I've come to rely on without Kid-A-like departures or Mirage-Rockish flops. What they lack in adventure they make up for in production and maturity on this one. Good good album. Not mind-blowing, but very good. Expand