Cala
by Fionn Regan
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
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  1. Ricko
    Oct 13, 2019
    8
    "Cala" is another hugely impressive offering from the Bray man. His debut album, released well over a decade ago, was so good it bought him enough credit to last the rest of his life. Since then he has been incredibly consistent, producing great work without necessarily hitting the genius level of his debut across a whole album. "Cala" follows this pattern, a superb album in many ways"Cala" is another hugely impressive offering from the Bray man. His debut album, released well over a decade ago, was so good it bought him enough credit to last the rest of his life. Since then he has been incredibly consistent, producing great work without necessarily hitting the genius level of his debut across a whole album. "Cala" follows this pattern, a superb album in many ways without ever capturing the magic of "The End of History". Album number 6 opens up with 3 songs that are right up there with some of the best material Fionn Regan has written to date. "Collar of Fur", "Head Swim" are similar in style, intricately delicate finger plucked guitar with spell binding lyrics that emanate a real joy. "Riverside Heights" is more reflective but equally captivating. "The Ocean Wave" lost me and I did feel there was a noticeable lull in the middle of the record. It's not that the songs aren't good, just that they don't hit the very high standard Regan has set for his work. The final third of the album captivates again with penultimate track "Glaciers" a particular standout. This is an immensely talented songwriter and if this were to be the first Fionn Regan record you heard you'd likely be most impressed. Next to his back catalog, "Cala" simply fits in nicely.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Clash Music
    Sep 17, 2019
    70
    A fine piece of work from a criminally-underrated talent.
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  2. Exclaim
    Aug 26, 2019
    60
    At its worst, the effect is soporific, but if you're looking for a comforting, cushiony soundscape, Cala is good company. It's when Regan opts for crisper, more invigorated sounds, though, that the album really shines.
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  3. The Quietus
    Aug 13, 2019
    80
    Cala is a record that, at its strongest, reaches astounding levels of beauty and emotional fragility, but at its weakest, is just a fading shadow of its most powerful moments.
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