Bloodless Coup - Bell X1
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User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3

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  1. finners_99
    Apr 28, 2011
    7
    This is another solid effort from the Co. Kildare lads, not as good as Blue Lights which will become a classic over time. Bloodless Coup has some fine songs including Sugar - one of the best pieces of 80s retro alt-pop you are likely to hear this year and it cannot help but avoid comparisons with Talking Heads. Noonan's writing is still quirky - "Trailing Skirts of God" and sometimes cumbersome (maybe even cute) as with the mention of welly tans on "Velcro", you have to be Irish or perhaps English with experience of open air festivals to get that one. Standout tracks Sugar High, Velco, 74 swans and Trailing Skirts.… Expand
  2. Ricko
    Nov 2, 2011
    7
    It's got some great tracks, a couple of tracks that were well intended but don't quite come off and the it's got 1 or 2 duds. Probably Bell X1's most experimental album and at the same time one of their most inconsistent. Some of the tracks on here just don't make the grade that Bell X1 set themselves over the years. Some of the material here does attempt to break new ground for the band and its great to see them trying new things here, that said very few of the tracks here would have gotten near any of the bands previous 4 albums.… Expand
  3. acolourfulsoul
    Oct 24, 2011
    10
    This is definitely one of the best albums from Bell X1 - it's experimental, playful and is an instant mood uplifter. Perhaps the best thing about this record is that it shifts and truly is the definition of the term "grower." With every listen, the songs seem to flow better and elements of the music not noticed before become more prominent. The single "Velcro" and "Sugar High" are probably the stand-out tracks - two crowd-pleasing songs with 80s synth pop influence melded with their indie vintage sound. "Safer than Love" also falls along these lines, and is one of those songs that may seem like a throwaway track at first listen, but quickly becomes appreciated for what it is, a catchy and fun tune with a bit of groove in the vein of "4 Minute Mile". There's definite brilliance in the lyrics in "The Trailing Skirts of God" and "Night Watchmen." In essence, "Bloodless Coup" is an Irish album - purely Irish, woven with themes and stories throughout - and it is better for it.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
58 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 5 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. All Music Guide
    Dec 21, 2011
    60
    Bloodless Coup gets rocky at points, but there are more than a few scattered gems here.
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  2. PopMatters
    Jun 6, 2011
    50
    Ultimately, Bell X1 only occasionally hit modest highs with Bloodless Coup, but it's the vast lows that make them tough to swallow.
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  3. Paste Magazine
    Apr 13, 2011
    69
    I still prefer Bell X1 with just an acoustic guitar and piano, but Bloodless Coup is, at the least, guaranteed to grow your Best of Bell X1 playlist.
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