User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

By Default
by
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
By Default Image
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth full-length release for the British rock band led by Russell Marsden was produced by Gil Norton.
Buy Now
Buy on

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    May 25, 2016
    80
    Cockily adventurous, By Default is a plasma grenade lobbed out of the blues rock trenches.
  2. musicOMH.com
    May 25, 2016
    70
    While the impressive Himalayan featured six tracks over four minutes long, By Default sees this length exceeded just once, concentrating more on short, sharp power punches.
  3. Uncut
    May 25, 2016
    60
    The attitudinal posturing wears thin on "Killer" but stuttering funk, the Depeche Mode in the moshpit vibe of "Little Mamma" and a timely nod to Prince on closer "Something" all hit the spot. [Jul 2016, p.69]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Q Magazine
    Jun 6, 2016
    60
    Aided by Pixies producer Gil Norton, they've audibly thrown everything at By Default. [#361, p.107]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. The Independent (UK)
    May 25, 2016
    40
    The main problem is that overall, the aptly-titled By Default just lacks excitement and panache.
  6. Drowned In Sound
    May 27, 2016
    30
    Not everything on By Default is misogynistic, mind, it’s just that when the lyrics aren’t threatening or creepy, they make [any] sense.

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. anythingevery
    Jun 6, 2016
    9
    By Default borrows from Royal Blood & Primal Scream style rock n roll to create the biggest riff fest they've committed to record! This oneBy Default borrows from Royal Blood & Primal Scream style rock n roll to create the biggest riff fest they've committed to record! This one has been made to play out loud at festivals in the sunshine!… Expand
  2. evdoe5
    Jun 7, 2016
    9
    After a few listen, I am getting around to really enjoying this album. It is not Band of Skulls' best work, but it shows they are looking forAfter a few listen, I am getting around to really enjoying this album. It is not Band of Skulls' best work, but it shows they are looking for some new sounds to incorporate into future records. They have dialed back on solos this time around and focus on riff oriented verses and some catchy choruses. Their hard work pays off in songs like Tropical Disease and Killers. However, some songs fall flat and do not really take off like Something. Overall, this is an enjoyable album for Band of Skulls fans, not their best record to date, but enjoyable nonetheless.… Expand

Current Music Releases

Full List »
99 Band on the Run [50th Anniversary Edition] - Paul McCartney & Wings
95 If I don't make it, I love u - Still House Plants
95 The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow - Charles Lloyd
91 COWBOY CARTER - Beyoncé
91 The Carnegie Hall Concert - Alice Coltrane
91 Funeral for Justice - Mdou Moctar
91 Here in the Pitch - Jessica Pratt
90 Iechyd Da - Bill Ryder-Jones
90 This Could Be Texas - English Teacher
89 I Got Heaven - Mannequin Pussy
89 Tigers Blood - Waxahatchee
89 All Born Screaming - St. Vincent
88 What Now - Brittany Howard
88 Only God Was Above Us - Vampire Weekend
88 Hey Panda - The High Llamas
88 Orquídeas - Kali Uchis
88 The Past Is Still Alive - Hurray for the Riff Raff
87 Filthy Underneath - Nadine Shah
87 i/o - Peter Gabriel
87 Blue Lips - ScHoolboy Q
All Current Music »