Foam Island
by Darkstar
  • Record Label: Warp
  • Release Date: Oct 2, 2015
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. Resident Advisor
    Oct 6, 2015
    80
    They've become powerful songwriters since they focused on the craft in 2010, and Foam Island shows it off more than anything else.
  2. Q Magazine
    Oct 5, 2015
    80
    Foam Island again trashes the template as the duo attempt an ambitious quasi-documentary approach. [Nov 2015, p.106]
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  3. Uncut
    Oct 1, 2015
    80
    Though feelings of disaffection inevitably colour Foam Island, a tentative optimistic note emerges in songs like the title track and "Stoke The Fire." [Nov 2015, p.73]
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  5. Under The Radar
    Nov 23, 2015
    75
    Wwhat Darkstar have created is something of much more consequence--a harrowing vision of the dystopia that permeates U.K. life today. It sounds and feels inescapable.
  6. AllMusic
    Oct 1, 2015
    70
    Foam Island is a curious, enjoyable album that abundantly showcases Darkstar's tendencies for experimentation as well as pop songwriting.
  7. Exclaim
    Oct 1, 2015
    60
    Foam Island is a patchwork album that never ends up feeling quite settled.
  8. The Wire
    Oct 8, 2015
    50
    Sounds at times as much like an audio documentary of Cameron's Britain as a collection of electronic songs. [Oct 2015, p.62]
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  9. The Line of Best Fit
    Oct 1, 2015
    50
    Despite all of the duo’s lofty intentions, slick artwork and studio trickery, the soggy samples and limp singing guarantee you won’t go back for seconds.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. SirNilesIV
    Oct 6, 2015
    6
    High concept, but low returns, Foam Island is a curiosity and one left for the curio bin. I really like what they are trying to do, but theyHigh concept, but low returns, Foam Island is a curiosity and one left for the curio bin. I really like what they are trying to do, but they are far more talented electronic musicians than lyrical songwriters; or for that matter Pink Floyd devotees. The electronic concept album is not a new one, but they should have taken note of The KLF and done more homage/pastiche than outright Dark Side of the Moon. Would have been a stronger aesthetic choice and provided more cohesiveness. Do not buy, stream on Spotify.… Full Review »
  2. Isaac_P
    Oct 16, 2015
    10
    An album this diverse in tempo, rhythm, and overall creativity is usually a hit or miss situation, but Darkstar has Nailed an almost perfectAn album this diverse in tempo, rhythm, and overall creativity is usually a hit or miss situation, but Darkstar has Nailed an almost perfect mix of hip hop, IDM, EDM, and something similar to Boards Of Canada and the outcome is everything but horrible, awry, or mediocre. Definitive sounds like these aren't for every listener but that does not mean it isn't worth a shot.
    9/10: Amazing: Great original sound, but will seem very strange to many people.    … Full Review »
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