- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
-
Here, as on their last effort, probably the most well fitted referent is Andrew Bird, but Forest flattens the jubilant hop of Pale Young Gentlemen into a cluster of songs much darker and more expansive.
-
Once again, the Pale Young Gentlemen has crafted a singularly noteworthy record unlike anything else.
-
Overall, Black Forest (tra la la) is one of those albums which grows in likeability the more you listen to it, as the charming sounds of many subtle instruments appear with more spins.
-
It's tuneful, well-written and beautifully played, and throughout there's no getting away from a Coldplay-esque earnestness.
-
Those looking for a sombre accompaniment for the wintry evenings ahead could do a hell of a lot worse than pick up this superb record.
-
Though the concept of "growth" can border on illusory, the shady, gnarled Black Forest comes on less strong than Pale Young Gentlemen, but is ultimately a lot harder to shake than its charming, if slightly hammy predecessor.
-
Progressive yet embracing the past, full of fit and flourish without ever sounding fanciful, Black Forest (Tra La La) is one of the most unique and glorious albums of the year.
-
Good music that works, effortlessly, and is even easier to love.
-
Black Forest (tra la la) is a nice little record made by an ambitious group of musicians from whom I expect excellent things. Three or four songs here are downright wonderful, and the rest, at the very least, aren’t entirely unpleasant.
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
-
Positive: 12 out of 14
-
Mixed: 0 out of 14
-
Negative: 2 out of 14
-
Sep 11, 2011