Black City - Matthew Dear
User Score
8.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9

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  1. Sep 15, 2010
    7
    This album provides a skillful level of cohesion throughout its tracks. The multiple layering of vocals creates ambient lyrical environment. Musically, the album contains interesting percussive details, and comparisons aside, at times spans popular genres. While "Dark City" is certainly a dark album, its turning point comes during 'Monkey", a slightly humorous pick-me-up before the end. Replay value: 3/5. Expand
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 23
  2. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. It's the sort of album which reaches back and forward in equal measure, applying what's known about past songwriting to invigorate the present day.
  2. In the end, Dear has successfully turned a tense, eerie mood into songs. They just aren't songs most people will feel like hearing.
  3. Black City overall is lean and upbeat, and Dear's gift for making an arrangement jump within snug confines continues to evolve.