Fall Back Open
by Now It's Overhead
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Drowned In Sound
    80
    The overall effect is intoxicating -- some sort of triangulated point in the middle of REM, New Order and Statistics.
  2. Logo
    80
    Their country-sagged beat-focused rock remains, which, coupled with some sumptuous keys and Andy LeMaster’s notoriously unnerving range, reveal Now It’s Overhead’s startling magnetism.
  3. Alternative Press
    80
    Closely approximates what Tears For Fears' The Hurting would have sounded like if Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith had grown up in Georgia. [Apr 2004, p.84]
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  5. Stylus Magazine
    80
    This is a rare example of music transcending lyrics in conveying the work’s meaning.
  6. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    Fall Back Open is a well-constructed modern pop record that displays some neat influences and also contributes a good deal of its own.
  7. Junkmedia
    80
    Despite its slowcore pedigree, Fall Back manages to stand solidly on its own haunted ground, forging a yet-to-be-realized level of tender creativity.
  8. Mojo
    80
    Dusky, angsty synth-pop. [Apr 2004, p.103]
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  9. ShakingThrough.net
    76
    Fall Back Open builds its Brian Eno-esque architecture into a warm, vulnerable document of searching and fear of connection, resulting in a pleasantly engaging and subtly memorable offering.
  10. Spin
    75
    A Death Cab For Cutie album you can listen to while ironing your cape. [Apr 2004, p.94]
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  11. The A.V. Club
    70
    Some of the soundscapes on Fall Back Open sound featureless and flat, but most are amazingly accomplished given Now It's Overhead's youth and modest means. [17 Mar 2004]
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  12. Pitchfork
    70
    Fall Back Open is more reminiscent of the arid, slow-burning side of the debut ("With a Subtle Look" comes to mind) than its upbeat fare, a reverb-drenched cruise missile flying in relentless slow-motion, like Calla with a pulse and a cherubic blond singer who could have gone boy-band as easily as indie-land.

User Reviews

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User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 1 more rating

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. SummerB
    Apr 20, 2005
    10
    absolutely beautiful. i can't think of anything that's not amazing about this album.
  2. giulia
    Feb 7, 2005
    4
    sorry, i dont like the voice. its sounds nearly as bad as the one of the placebo guy
  3. JamesH
    Sep 9, 2004
    9
    Not as good as the EP but still a dreamy atmospheric brilliant album.