False Lankum
by Lankum
User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 3 out of 16
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  1. Clonedaddy
    Mar 26, 2023
    2
    This pushes the boundaries of traditional folk music but the songs are not that great. The best part of this album are the more abstract compositions, which sometime degenerate into just noise. Ultimately, I won't be listening to this again. The second-best rated album of the year? No way!
  2. Ricko
    May 29, 2023
    0
    This is an absolutely extraordinary album. It took me quite a while to take to Lankum's sound over the years but witnessing in person the power of their live performances got me hooked. I've not heard an album like "False Lankum" before. The mix of tradition with the haunting screech of drones, its a genuine soundtrack to a edgy trip through a nightmare celtic underworld. The fact that theThis is an absolutely extraordinary album. It took me quite a while to take to Lankum's sound over the years but witnessing in person the power of their live performances got me hooked. I've not heard an album like "False Lankum" before. The mix of tradition with the haunting screech of drones, its a genuine soundtrack to a edgy trip through a nightmare celtic underworld. The fact that the songs are based on historical and everyday real life events make this totally relateable and at times harrowing. It's like music taken from the deep past and given a dousing of futuristic dystopia. A captivating listen where each song brings you further into the mire. The "fugue" pieces are a bit mad but fit in to the overall album seemlessly. "Go Dig My Grave" and "The New York Trader" are highlights amongst a collection of sharp diamonds.… Expand
  3. Lajaleaa
    May 7, 2023
    8
    There is an incredible story being told in these songs, and it is being told with such carefulness, that it might be a worthy contender for the music Oscars. And I mean Oscars because there is a lot of cinematic feel in these lyrics that it is almost impossible to not let the music carry you to these lands and stories. I appreciate it very much, even if this is still an ambient andThere is an incredible story being told in these songs, and it is being told with such carefulness, that it might be a worthy contender for the music Oscars. And I mean Oscars because there is a lot of cinematic feel in these lyrics that it is almost impossible to not let the music carry you to these lands and stories. I appreciate it very much, even if this is still an ambient and experimental album.… Expand
  4. AncientAmber
    Mar 26, 2023
    9
    Same as the last one, but just different enough. Very satisfying textures throughout. I thought they struck the wrong tone on the last track, but that's easily ignored.
  5. Strativa
    Mar 27, 2023
    9
    Finally it's a new, fresh, folk, traditional, not flat album. Lots of emotions.
  6. Oldman_Oswald
    Mar 26, 2023
    10
    Like being part of a crowd in a haunted Irish pub... This is a gem of an album, though not as easily accessible as their previous album. Love what they're doing with Irish folklore, and how they chart unknown territories with century-old songs.

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best Album of 2023
62
#62 Most Discussed Album of 2023

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. The Wire
    Jun 7, 2023
    80
    A sense of foreboding and emotional struggle is expertly crafted, so much so that at times it can feel like there’s little air and no escape. Outside of the songs, there’s a more uncanny, ineffable sense of power on the instrumental jig or reel passages of “Master Crowley’s” and “The New York Trader”. [Jul 2023, p.55]
  2. Record Collector
    Mar 24, 2023
    80
    At 70 minutes, False Lankum is definitely a demanding listen, but an extraordinary one.
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  3. AllMusic
    Mar 24, 2023
    90
    A difficult, but defining statement, made at the height of their powers.
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