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Chaos for the Fly Image
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut full-length solo release from Fontaines D.C. frontman Grian Chatten was produced with Dan Carey.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Jun 28, 2023
    100
    A real gem, this bold album brimming with character begins the etching of Chatten’s name among music’s greats.
  2. Sep 20, 2023
    90
    Chaos For The Fly is a captivating debut that showcases his artistic evolution outside of the post-punk bombast of Fontaines DC. These songs bleed through in their honesty and lack of over-thinking to demand active engagement, to explore their intricacies and contemplate their themes.
  3. Jul 7, 2023
    85
    Perhaps, the quiddity of Chatten’s songwriting is threefold—he bears the heart of a romantic, the lyrical gifts of a poet, but the wide-eyed cynicism of one cognizant of how the world can ensnare artists of this stripe. This struggle, in his capable hands renders the most exquisite music about our human condition.
  4. Uncut
    Jun 28, 2023
    80
    On Chaos For The Fly, Chatten is able to chase down a succession of personal demons, while broadening his emotional, musical and vocal range. [Aug 2023, p.24]
  5. Jun 30, 2023
    80
    With Chaos for the Fly, Grian Chatten has proven that he's not only worth his salt for leading one of the biggest UK bands in the world right now, but that he has the erudition to create fantastic music without his Fontaine D.C. mates.
  6. Mojo
    Jun 28, 2023
    80
    The self-analysis is elevated by Chatten's scowling poetry and producer Dan Carey's bright detailing. [Aug 2023, p.80]
  7. 70
    This isn’t a perfect album – far from it – but it is stylistically consistent, thematically coherent and beautifully composed.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. Jul 3, 2023
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great debut from Grian Chatten, bringing his magical voice (and mesmerising accent) to a solo album. Listening to it, one cannot help but be reminded of Fontaines DC, though 'Chaos for the Fly' is in general mellower. Stand out tracks: Fairlies, Bob's Casino, I am so Far, Season for Pain. Expand
  2. Aug 2, 2023
    8
    Going for something more personal, the greatest value of this album is being able to pay a closer attention to the deep, strong, raw and greatGoing for something more personal, the greatest value of this album is being able to pay a closer attention to the deep, strong, raw and great voice of Chatten. This might not be up there where Fontaines D.C. flies, but it is an exciting first step aside the band that proposes similar vibes, great quality and promises a relevant future. Excited to see where this goes. Expand

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