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Brill Bruisers Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 50 Ratings

  • Artist(s): John Collins, Neko Case, A.C. Newman, Kathryn Calder
  • Summary: The first release in four years for the supergroup that includes Dan Bejar, Kathryn Calder, Neko Case, and AC Newman was produced by Newman and John Collins.
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Top Track

War on the East Coast
Last night I dreamt Vancouver dressed up in the ocean Last night I dreamt Victoria drowned in the ocean The ride of a lifetime The rites of spring... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 30
  2. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Sep 11, 2014
    90
    After you shake off the initial conceptual strangeness, Brill Bruisers builds up to a breathtaking whole.
  2. Aug 22, 2014
    83
    All of these techniques--the streamlined mixing, the honeycombed harmonies, the poppy sci-fi synths--build a sonic unity made all the more bright when surrounded by the irreverent lyrics.
  3. Aug 26, 2014
    80
    The band has never sounded more relaxed, with a lived-in confidence.
  4. Aug 25, 2014
    77
    With the futurist sound of Brill Bruisers, the whole band embraces a more electric version of itself—bulked-up in chrome-plated armor, firing on all cylinders, and ready to steamroll anything in its path.
  5. Aug 25, 2014
    75
    Brill Bruisers sounds like a bunch of friends reuniting for a long-overdue blow-out.
  6. Sep 2, 2014
    70
    Brill Bruisers should finally see the band obtain the commercial success to match the critical acclaim they’ve accrued over the course of their last five LPs, as this is an almost perfect soundtrack to what’s left of the summer.
  7. Aug 27, 2014
    60
    Brill Bruisers is a solid, satisfying record, one that found a fresh approach and created some more ultra-catchy pop tunes. If the freshness dulls on occasion when the new approach gets overused, you can still hear the quality underneath, even if you’re more inclined to move the needle back to the tunes that leave their bruise more immediately.

See all 30 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Aug 29, 2014
    9
    It's a pleasure to hear a band have as much fun as TNP obviously had making this album. It might not be the most cutting edge sound and itIt's a pleasure to hear a band have as much fun as TNP obviously had making this album. It might not be the most cutting edge sound and it really doesn't take itself as seriously as most of it's indie contemporaries, but that's what's entirely likable about it. Expand
  2. Aug 26, 2014
    9
    The New Pornos sound like no other band. While it falters a little — just a little — at the end, this album is right up there with theirThe New Pornos sound like no other band. While it falters a little — just a little — at the end, this album is right up there with their strongest ones. Full of catchy hooks and addictive tunes. Expand
  3. Sep 14, 2014
    9
    Finally, The New Pornographers as I know and love them. Dan Bejar still remains their secret weapon but unlike the last two albumsFinally, The New Pornographers as I know and love them. Dan Bejar still remains their secret weapon but unlike the last two albums (Challengers and Together) you're not sitting around waiting for his contributions to appear. One of years best so far. Expand
  4. Mar 1, 2015
    9
    This album was really fun to listen to... From it's great instrumentation to Dan Bejar's ability to make the songs in this album sound so goodThis album was really fun to listen to... From it's great instrumentation to Dan Bejar's ability to make the songs in this album sound so good throughout! The New Pornographers have delivered an album that is otherwise a gem to listen to. Expand
  5. Aug 28, 2014
    7
    "Brill Bruisers" is generally light, airy and has a few very strong tracks that will stand up against the best that the New Pornographers have"Brill Bruisers" is generally light, airy and has a few very strong tracks that will stand up against the best that the New Pornographers have ever released. It doesn't knock me out start-to-finish (as some of their other albums have), but with the car windows down it'll do very nicely. Expand