Expert in a Dying Field
by The Beths
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. Slant Magazine
    Sep 12, 2022
    90
    The group’s third album, Expert in Dying Field, is an exhilarating power-pop tour de force, replete with bristling guitar riffs and bright, infectious harmonies. It’s also a devastating exploration of anxiety, insecurity, and regret—a reflection of how, in life, there can be no true joy without sadness.
  2. Dusted Magazine
    Oct 11, 2022
    80
    The Beths took the path of being exactly who they’ve always been, but more intensely and immediately. Given the interruptions, they waste no time in getting going.
  3. Sputnikmusic
    Sep 20, 2022
    80
    The strength of the opening trio of tracks on Expert In A Dying Field is a potent reminder of their best attributes.
  5. Pitchfork
    Sep 16, 2022
    80
    Although a couple of songs get samey, Expert is relentlessly invigorating and grounded by the clarity of Stokes’ writing.
  6. The Telegraph (UK)
    Sep 16, 2022
    80
    The 12 tracks that make up Expert in a Dying Field are lean and propulsive, with hooks that get under the skin.
  7. AllMusic
    Sep 15, 2022
    80
    The album also delivers on vulnerable, rock-solid songs, a juxtaposition the Beths continue to master.
  8. musicOMH.com
    Sep 14, 2022
    80
    Expert In A Dying Field is the sound of a band going from strength to strength.
  9. The Line of Best Fit
    Sep 14, 2022
    80
    With Expert in a Dying Field The Beths have created a bundle of sheer sonic joy that confronts, but doesn’t succumb to, all those neuroses most of us know too well.
  10. New Musical Express (NME)
    Sep 13, 2022
    80
    Shedding old skins with jubilance, ‘Expert in A Dying Field’ is testament to the belief that better things are always yet to come. For us as listeners, they’re already be here.
  11. Exclaim
    Sep 13, 2022
    80
    Dying field or not, the Beths' third LP is a reaffirmation that the band are ready and willing to go down with the ship.
  12. Mojo
    Sep 12, 2022
    80
    The vigorous, often zippy arrangements finessed at guitarist Jonathan Pearce's Auckland home studio offer chipper contrast to the subject matter, Stokes a thoughtful, knowing presence. [Oct 2022, p.89]
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  13. Uncut
    Sep 12, 2022
    80
    The mood of Expert In A Dying Field is yearning and reflective, as Stokes picks over the bones of relationships on mournful janglers like “Your Side”, punky rocker “Silence Is Golden”, the shimmering “Best Left” and terrific closer “2am”. [Oct 2022, p.25]
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  14. Paste Magazine
    Sep 14, 2022
    79
    With their first two LPs, they proved themselves to be self-aware witnesses to their own histories and heartbreaks. With the third, however, The Beths solidify themselves as expert observers of the joy and anxiety that define our time.
  15. Under The Radar
    Sep 20, 2022
    75
    The record is strongest when the band’s bright and spontaneous indie rock acts as a foil to Stokes’ anxiety-filled lyrics. This fusion processes the tangled emotions of lost love and helps make it bearable—something few records can do.
  16. The Skinny
    Sep 12, 2022
    60
    The album’s tendency towards soft and sugary can sometimes grate a little, especially when the band sound so vital and exciting when they amp up the dirt and energy (Silence is Golden; I Told You That I Was Afraid). Overall though, this is a solid collection of bittersweet pop gems for anyone with half a heart.

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Best Album of 2022

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. MusicGuyMack
    Sep 20, 2022
    10
    Largely doubling down on the easy charm of the sumptuous vocal harmonies, gently self-deprecating lyrics and impeccably crafted guitar-popLargely doubling down on the easy charm of the sumptuous vocal harmonies, gently self-deprecating lyrics and impeccably crafted guitar-pop sound that have thus far defined The Beths' discography, the "ain't broke, don't fix it" approach of "Expert in a Dying Field" won't likely win over anyone not swayed by the group thus far but ensures the record is a start-to-finish delight for the already initiated.

    Choice Cuts: "Expert in a Dying Field," "Knees Deep," "Your Side," "Head in the Clouds," "2am"    … Full Review »
  2. Jungstir
    Sep 30, 2022
    10
    New Zealand Indie Band born from buds in college studying jazz. Some critics compare them to Sheryl Crow on lead vocals. I would say if youNew Zealand Indie Band born from buds in college studying jazz. Some critics compare them to Sheryl Crow on lead vocals. I would say if you are a fan of the Go Go's you will love the Beths! Kind of unstated and underrated however they did tour with Death Cab For Cutie in Europe and the UK. They have the right production, guitar riffs and vocals to really soar as a world class act. I believe they will be in LA in March to support this album release completed during the pandemic. Enjoy!… Full Review »
  3. Malts18
    Sep 23, 2022
    10
    This is the second straight absolutely brilliant album from the New Zealand quartet. Guitar-driven alt pop is their perfected niche andThis is the second straight absolutely brilliant album from the New Zealand quartet. Guitar-driven alt pop is their perfected niche and Expert In A Dying Field is wonderful from start to finish. The title track leads it off and that is a total banger. It might well end up my #1 song of the year. Silence is Golden, Knees Deep, Head In The Clouds, & When You Know You Know all are fresh and high quality. This is one of my favorite albums of 2022.… Full Review »
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