• Record Label: Grunion
  • Release Date: Apr 4, 2006
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. At this point it seems that Rainer Maria are much more modern rock than emo, but that doesn't mean that Catastrophe Keeps Us Together isn't a good album.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Often echo[es] early R.E.M. with better articulation. [7 Apr 2006, p.59]
  3. Catastrophe Keeps Us Together is the most Rainer Maria has sounded like themselves since the Atlantic EP and is more daring than we could have hoped.
  4. A terrific collection of thoughtful, energetic rock songs.
  5. The New York Times
    80
    A good, sometimes glorious collection of loud pop songs and quiet punk songs... after 11 years, they've made their most exuberant, most youthful-sounding album. [13 Apr 2006]
  6. [Rainer Maria] drapes songs in atmospheric echo while maintaining a steady, urgent beat--all of which provides a stage for Caithlin De Marrais' earnest, fully engaged voice.
  7. Alternative Press
    80
    The band sound bigger and and more self-assured than ever. [Jun 2006, p.190]
  8. Paste Magazine
    80
    Brightly chiming and tensely foreboding in equal measure, the group has never sounded more poised for a breakthrough. [Jun/Jul 2006, p.129]
  9. In a genre dominated by sensitive boys in sneakers and second-hand cardigans, Rainer Maria have had an edge: ... There’s barely a male voice to be heard on Catastrophe Keeps Us Together.
  10. Under The Radar
    70
    A heartfelt, accessible rock record for emo kids who can't stand eyeliner. [Summer 2006, p.93]
User Score
tbd

No user score yet- Awaiting 1 more rating

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. DrunkenMaster
    Apr 20, 2006
    9
    Shimmering and gorgeous. A great record.
  2. MattD.
    Apr 18, 2006
    10
    Terrific melodic rock. They have strayed from their emo roots, but you can still hear a lot of passion.