Bread & Circuses
by The View
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Mar 14, 2011
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
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  1. Hackskeptic
    Jun 4, 2011
    6
    Whilst their breakthrough success on "Hats Off To The Buskers" had come via simple ramshackle but fun indie pop, the follow up travelled into swirling tides of overreaching experimentation into rap, pirate shanties, old time music halls, orchestral sweeps, and an odd collaboration with safe pop star Paolo Nutini.The opener and second single "Grace" jubilantly recalls every facet that madeWhilst their breakthrough success on "Hats Off To The Buskers" had come via simple ramshackle but fun indie pop, the follow up travelled into swirling tides of overreaching experimentation into rap, pirate shanties, old time music halls, orchestral sweeps, and an odd collaboration with safe pop star Paolo Nutini.The opener and second single "Grace" jubilantly recalls every facet that made Kyle Falconer's four piece the festival must see's of 2007. Lead single "Sunday" attempts the same, but lacks the hook.The attempts to find their missing mojo lead to some seismic mishaps and "Underneath The Lights", "Girl" and "Witches" sound more akin to The Fratelli's sterilized pub rock. Much more satisfying are the richly produced grown up rock epics "Life" and the arm waving closer "Best Lasts Forever".One wonders if "Bread And Circuses" will reverse The View's fortunes. The summer festivals may be a final hurrah, and an indication as to the possibilities of album number four. This collection is unlikely to return the band to previous commercial heights, but at least gets Falconer and co. back on track. http://hackskeptic.com… Expand
  2. TheSpecialOne14
    Apr 9, 2011
    8
    Far better than their last release. They seem to become more mature and the sound of the record is excellent. Although doesn't even touch Hats Off to the Buskers.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. AllMusic
    Dec 21, 2011
    60
    It's not particularly big or, indeed, clever, but it's a return to form that might just stop the rot, even if it's unlikely to reverse their fortunes dramatically.
    Read full review
  2. Q Magazine
    Apr 6, 2011
    80
    The View appear to be growing up. Forever, of course, is a very, very, long time. But on this evidence, against all odds, The View look set to run and run. [Apr 2011, p.99]
  3. Mojo
    Apr 6, 2011
    40
    The overall effect is like being trapped in a lift with McFly on a sugar-rush. [Apr 2011, p.98]
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