Collisions
by Calla
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. AllMusic
    80
    On Collisions, the band wipes the sleep out of its eyes and produces a set of songs that is more inspired and vital, even if it's equally embittered and dejected.
  2. Junkmedia
    70
    Dramatic and dark.
  3. Prefix Magazine
    70
    With Calla’s song structures and melodies more concrete, though, Valle’s desolate imagery has begun to lose a bit of its mystery, and consequently, some of its appeal.
  5. Stylus Magazine
    67
    On Collisions, Calla don't flee from their influences; instead, they turn inward on themselves, pushing out at their songs' edges.
  6. Tiny Mix Tapes
    70
    They still get a thumbs up in the sonic department, and their songwriting is certainly to my liking; but that quality of elusiveness that made their prior albums a journey of discovery seems to be missing.
  7. Under The Radar
    70
    To call it derivative would be to overlook the band's ability to craft thoughtful, engaging rock. [#10, p.105]
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  8. Lost At Sea
    80
    It is the closest you’ll get to The Bends in 2005.
  9. Rolling Stone
    70
    The breakthrough record where Calla go from a whisper to a scream.
  10. Pitchfork
    68
    In its best moments, Collisions has an edge that's grittier and more emphatic than its predecessor.
  11. Neumu.net
    90
    Among contemporaries, Calla now stand alone, making dark, beautiful, intensely understated music that's as much landscape as narrative story.
  12. Splendid
    80
    The album sounds mature, weathered, tired and occasionally almost weary, but is far to dynamic to ever seem truly lethargic.
  13. Drowned In Sound
    70
    Technically sound, simply arranged, atmospheric and occasionally psychedelic, Calla don’t just write musical warning shots bearing messages of violent frustration... they are also capable of immense beauty.
  14. Mojo
    80
    Calla aren't only as unique as NYC new wave gets... but beautifully tense too. [Feb 2006, p.103]
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  15. Q Magazine
    80
    Collisions marks Calla as an enchanting secret. [Mar 2006, p.106]
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  16. Uncut
    80
    The trio has acquired the confidence to cherry-pick tropes from dark-rock's heritage and mould them into thier own glum grooves. [Mar 2006, p.100]
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  17. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    Laid-back and controlled, yet at times almost obsessively moody... [Collisions] hits all the peaks and troughs at just the right frequency. [4 Feb 2006, p.29]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. LiamF
    Dec 4, 2006
    9
    'Collisions' is the perfect follow-up to 'Televise'. Continuing in the dark, epic vein, the album is in equal parts 'Collisions' is the perfect follow-up to 'Televise'. Continuing in the dark, epic vein, the album is in equal parts consuming and uplifting, with the anthemic characteristics and experimental yet catchy style of ' the bends' and 'ok computer' radiohead, and some songs songs are reminiscent of a low-tempo Cave In. Although they remain a band in control of their own style and direction, they are very fluid which allows them to be accessible, with Aurelio Valle's voice a unique and refreshing feature. Calla are so much more than the sum of their influences. Surely material like this will ensure their fanbase grows and they will gain the popularity they deserve.… Full Review »
  2. AndreaK
    Feb 17, 2006
    10
    Fantastic album! My favorite Calla CD to date.
  3. PeteM
    Oct 24, 2005
    9
    Very nice! That about sums it up.
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