Drop
by Thee Oh Sees
  • Record Label: W.A.R.
  • Release Date: Apr 19, 2014
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. Consequence
    Apr 21, 2014
    91
    Mirrors, cameras, and lenses are all over Drop, an artistic statement that effectively functions as a screen.
  2. Magnet
    May 19, 2014
    90
    The group maintains the signature controlled-chaos staples of its sound--big, dirty riffs underpinned by John Dwyer's trademark ghoulish vocal melodies--while broadening its already hyper-musical palate. [No. 109, p.55]
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  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    Apr 21, 2014
    80
    It’s not quite the equal of its predecessor--last year’s breakneck, flute-powered ‘Floating Coffin’--but is a gem nonetheless: nine tracks of noise-spiked Nuggets-y psych-punk, each one hitting with the crisp concision of a long-lost jukebox classic.
  5. CMJ
    Apr 18, 2014
    80
    That sweetness is exactly what we need after devouring the indulgent, carb-heavy, extra-sauce sound that is Drop, and (at the risk of allowing this metaphor to spiral further), we leave feeling totally satisfied and craving more at the same time.
  6. Uncut
    Apr 14, 2014
    80
    The joy is in how much of it there is to listen to, with constant change in tempo, instrument and texture that manage to maintain an overall coherence while keeping everybody from getting bored. [May 2014, p.79]
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  7. The Guardian
    Apr 14, 2014
    80
    The various sides of Thee Oh Sees--the world-beatingly loud'n'fast live garage band; the swirlier, prettier home-taped psych-pop solo project; the synth-kraut-spacerock explorers--are comprehensively represented on Drop.
  8. Pitchfork
    Apr 24, 2014
    78
    Even though such familiar record-collector reference points abound on Drop, the mischievous melodies and funhouse-mirrored guitar contortions render the results unmistakably Oh Sees.
  9. Under The Radar
    Jun 6, 2014
    75
    Every moment is crucial and energetic, a sheer heart attack of rock magic that should, by all rights, be blaring at every too-warm, too-full house party of the coming summer. [Jun/Jul 2014, p.93]
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  10. Paste Magazine
    Apr 22, 2014
    75
    While there’s nothing here as instantly infectious as “Toe Cutter-Thumb Buster” (the single from last year’s Floating Coffin), Drop plays like some lost weekend at the Fillmore West circa 1966-71.
  11. PopMatters
    Jun 16, 2014
    70
    It’s unabashedly seventies, from the Black Sabbath-meets-Yeezus rhythm of “Penetrating Eye” through the end, but Drop is something fans of guitars and reverb need desperately in 2014, just as with every Thee Oh Sees release before it.
  12. AllMusic
    Apr 14, 2014
    70
    There's enough of Thee Oh Sees' personality in Drop that fans will readily recognize it, but if you've ever been turned off by their layers of skronk, or the acid-damaged travels into the sonic wilderness, Drop could well be the album where this band finally catches up with you.
  13. Spin
    Apr 25, 2014
    60
    Sometimes the album sounds backward when it isn't. Rarely does it sound like one person squeaking out notes in succession--more like a bunch of dudes filling a tape with improvisations, rewinding to the cool parts and haranguing some hapless studio engineer to razorblade it all together.
  14. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Apr 23, 2014
    60
    There’s enough texture and variety to Drop to make it a consistently engaging listen, although on a song-by-song basis, it doesn’t quite stack up to the albums preceding it.
  15. The Observer (UK)
    Apr 14, 2014
    60
    For all their wiggy sonics, Thee Oh Sees rarely lose their way, and these nine tracks scamper along, unfettered by genre hang-ups and aided by guest guitarist Mikal Cronin.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. jakfromrva
    Aug 30, 2018
    8
    Nice change of pace for the Oh Sees. First few tracks are really good. Focuses a little more on songwriting compared to albums that cameNice change of pace for the Oh Sees. First few tracks are really good. Focuses a little more on songwriting compared to albums that came afterward. Underrated closer in the Lens… Full Review »
  2. CiphirSol
    Sep 23, 2014
    8
    It feels a bit stripped down and leaner, but I think that even running a with a different line-up, John Dwyer's talent and creative edge isIt feels a bit stripped down and leaner, but I think that even running a with a different line-up, John Dwyer's talent and creative edge is focused and the group accomplishes exactly what they want. The only thing I could say negative about it is the songs feel less frantic than previous releases.… Full Review »
  3. adhamhany
    Jul 31, 2014
    5
    This album has the spirit of the classic rock music of the 60s. However, while that should be a great thing, it's not in this case. It doesn'tThis album has the spirit of the classic rock music of the 60s. However, while that should be a great thing, it's not in this case. It doesn't feel as exciting as the music that influenced it.… Full Review »
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