Exploding Head
by A Place to Bury Strangers
  • Record Label: Mute
  • Release Date: Oct 6, 2009
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. AllMusic
    80
    Exploding Head is a fine step forward for A Place to Bury Strangers, and shows they're among the best bands bringing shoegaze into the 21st century.
  2. Alternative Press
    90
    When the dark, somber and damn loud refrains of 'Ego Death' kick in, it sounds like these guys could completely take over indie rock. [Nov 2009, p.106]
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  3. Drowned In Sound
    90
    A Place To Bury Strangers have managed to strike a perfect balance between noise and tune, and as a result created one of 2009's most ingenious records.
  5. Filter
    84
    Exploding Head is another raucous ode to My Bloody Valentine meets The Jesus and Mary Chain shoegaze. But that’s what’s indicative about this band--although its references are often cited; Exploding Head has that passion needed in reinvigorating a sub-genre.
  6. musicOMH.com
    80
    This is a definite progression from their earlier material and if this is an indication of where the band is ultimately headed, then Exploding Head is likely to be the first of some very exciting albums.
  7. Pitchfork
    66
    The back half picks up where the debut left off, full of inspired pieces of paranoia-inducing industrial guitar noise and moribund pop textures--it too often seems like a misguided attempt to connect dots for the listener.
  8. PopMatters
    70
    This is A Place to Bury Strangers at their loudest, most relentlessly methodical, and, surprisingly, funniest.
  9. Q Magazine
    80
    It's wall-of-noise stuff, but consistently they manage to either build a decent tune into the squall or else engage the listener through exhilarating power alone. [Nov. 2009, p.101]
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  10. Spin
    70
    Led by effects-pedal guru Oliver Ackermann (the Edge is a customer), this Brooklyn trio further their rep for insane volume on their first proper studio album.
  11. Sputnikmusic
    90
    Exploding Head holds as one of the most consistent, mind-blowing releases this year, unwavering of an any possible identity crisis.
  12. The Boston Phoenix
    88
    Exploding Head is less an interpretation of a forgotten sound than a restoration of an abandoned mission. Even if you've heard it all before, you certainly haven't heard the end of it.
  13. Tiny Mix Tapes
    80
    Exploding Head is a solid album that spits in the face of any sophomore slump expectations.
  14. Under The Radar
    70
    More attention was paid to mixing, but the sounds captured are as deliciously brash as they were on the debut. [Fall 2009, p.56]
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  15. Urb
    80
    Exploding Head is a movement deftly capturing atmospheric exuberance.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 25
  3. Negative: 2 out of 25
  1. Vampire25
    Mar 31, 2012
    9
    Exploding Head, in my opinion, is better than their self-titled debut. It's dark industrial sounding noise rock at it's best. It sorta has aExploding Head, in my opinion, is better than their self-titled debut. It's dark industrial sounding noise rock at it's best. It sorta has a new wave feel to it throughout the whole album. All In All, A Place To Bury Strangers has crafted a pretty strange, psychedelic mix of noise in Exploding Head.… Full Review »
  2. surf1ngthevoid
    Nov 17, 2019
    9
    A fine loud mix of dark fuzzy noise, shoegaze, and a hint of post-punk. This is A Place to Bury Strangers at its finest.
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