Fear Is On Our Side
by I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Billboard
    90
    From note one, the listener is hermetically sealed into Chosen Darkness' unique musical universe where overdriven bass leads, pinpoint guitar lines and ominous synths hit with maximum impact.
  2. Alternative Press
    80
    A compelling spin. [May 2006, p.164]
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  3. Urb
    80
    A stunning debut. [Apr 2006, p.96]
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  5. Trouser Press
    80
    Every song is compelling.
  6. Pitchfork
    76
    If the bulk of the album is for the car, the bar, the social occasion, then moments like ["Today"] are for headphones, bedrooms, intimate and solitary states. The presence of both increases the breadth of this assured LP, and establishes ILYBICD as being no longer a band to watch, but a band to listen to.
  7. Stylus Magazine
    75
    [A] lean, effective debut.
  8. AllMusic
    70
    Just about any of the album's selections would have fit perfectly on a vintage 120 Minutes episode.
  9. cokemachineglow
    70
    The problem seems to be a not yet fully developed understanding of how to make their pop moments gel with the layered atmosphere they seem committed to.
  10. Mojo
    70
    Their unique pop panache saves the proceedings from simple retread. [May 2006, p.102]
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  11. Magnet
    70
    Casts [their] this-is-not-a-love-song songs in an ultraviolet, goth-shoegazer glow that stretches [their] glistening guitar ripples to Mogwai-like proportions. [#71, p.100]
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  12. Prefix Magazine
    70
    The band's accomplishment on Fear Is on Our Side is that no matter what direction the song goes, the journey is always worth it, the ending is a satisfying resolution.
  13. Drawer B
    60
    They show great promise, but also fall victim to the uncertainty of a band drastically altering their sound and trying too hard to make grandiose statements.
  14. Slant Magazine
    50
    Fear Is On Our Side is slickly produced... and resplendent in its studied somber nature, which makes mining the by-now exhausted vein of viscerally dark '80s rock an all the more unfortunate choice.
  15. Uncut
    40
    It's sleek, goth-leaning alt.pop, but ILYBICD's music ultimately leaves less of an impression than their band name. [May 2006, p.109]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. SpencerL
    May 28, 2006
    8
    Compelling. One of the best cd's this year.
  2. DavidS
    May 24, 2006
    8
    Really good dark pop. Hasn't left my cd player in days.
  3. MusicMaven
    May 24, 2006
    8
    They bring the 80's retro style without overwhelming histrionics (like the Killers/Bravery) or rigid Ian-Curtis-like vocals (a la They bring the 80's retro style without overwhelming histrionics (like the Killers/Bravery) or rigid Ian-Curtis-like vocals (a la Interpol/Editors). Instead, the streamlined goth-pop and indie-rock sounds are complemented by the emotive yet distant vocals. A slightly different, and very enjoyable bit of post-punk revival.… Full Review »
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