Dynamite Steps
by The Twilight Singers
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Feb 15, 2011
User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. letter27
    Mar 21, 2011
    7
    The Twilight Singers "Dynamite Steps" is not explosive but it still burns stronger than most albums these days. It is difficult to approach the Twilight Singers latest album without high expectations after the 2006 release of Powder Burns (possibly the band's best album). After four years and some change, the new album is not the chronicles of an epic journey but a hodgepodge of AfghanThe Twilight Singers "Dynamite Steps" is not explosive but it still burns stronger than most albums these days. It is difficult to approach the Twilight Singers latest album without high expectations after the 2006 release of Powder Burns (possibly the band's best album). After four years and some change, the new album is not the chronicles of an epic journey but a hodgepodge of Afghan Whigs, Gutter Twins and early TW. There are really some amazing moments on the album. The contrast between an acoustic guitar and full orchestra of sound in "The Beginning of the End," for instance. "On the Corner" keeps your toes tapping through the middle of the album. "Gunshots" is a strong song and "Blackbird and the Fox" beckons back to the Twilight Singers debut album more than a decade ago. But don't approach Dynamite Steps with the expectations of a Powder Burns part II. There is just something lacking. The formula is there, the strong moments are there, but it is not the best that Dulli has to offer. The album ends with the title track, which follows the Dulli formula that dates back to 1996's Black Love album -- with the close of "Faded." The song has beauty but does not deliver the Twilight Singers usual power.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Sputnikmusic
    Apr 27, 2011
    80
    Both for Dulli as an artist, and me as a fan, the borders may be wider but the thrill remains the same - this is dark, cynical, sexy, and genuinely moving with it, and that's a combination potent enough to make this an outside bet for rock album of the year.
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  2. Mojo
    Apr 15, 2011
    60
    Fifth album from former Afghan Whigs mainman's collective. [Apr. 2011, p. 94]
  3. Filter
    Mar 14, 2011
    76
    Dulli is the king of building to a pinnacled, string-filled moment and he nails it here. The burning edifice of the heart rarely sounds so transcendent.
    Read full review
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