Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Amidst an arresting collision of angular melodies, fractured rhythms and Davis' overpowering voice, Denali's self-titled debut is awash in the tortured melancholy of a woman whose relationship demons have driven her to the edge.
  2. It's a diverse album in terms of textures, and those extra layers help give the band a developed sound beyond most debut releases.
  3. On their stunning debut, the Richmond, VA, foursome can sound as crisp and ethereal as Portishead, as otherworldly as Tom Waits, and as atmospheric as Radiohead.
  4. While Denali have a definite comfort zone -- there are few surprises on the ten-song collection -- the beauty of the album is how easily songs melt into one another, rising and falling where they should, each one ending with a gentle dismount.
  5. While Davis's performance draws from a broad and intriguing range of influences, she has the makings of a singer in a class of her own. And rather than allowing Davis's uniqueness to carry them, the other members of Denali clearly favor a similarly eclectic aesthetic, riddling their music with pleasant musical surprises.
User Score
tbd

No user score yet- Awaiting 3 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. MarkS.
    Jul 15, 2002
    9
    I would give it a ten, given it's sheer beauty, but there are some more classic albums that ought to reserve that distinction. It really I would give it a ten, given it's sheer beauty, but there are some more classic albums that ought to reserve that distinction. It really is a beautiful album; buy it, burn it, steal it. Full Review »