Form & Control
by The Phenomenal Handclap Band
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
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  1. Pitchfork
    Mar 15, 2012
    42
    Form & Control immediately shows the band's strengths and their weakness: It's a smooth, utterly precise study of the formal elements that make disco and electro-pop tick, but with far too little of the body heat that actually gets that stuff going.
  2. Uncut
    Jan 26, 2012
    60
    All and all, it's a little too cool for its own good. [Feb 2012, p.97]
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  3. PopMatters
    Feb 21, 2012
    60
    As sophomore efforts go, Form & Control is a great success.... Unfortunately, what it lacks are hooks.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    Feb 1, 2012
    40
    Laura Marin and Quinn Luke cram excessive lyrics into songs such as 'Shake', creating stodge instead of sleekness.
  6. musicOMH.com
    Mar 2, 2012
    60
    Phenomenal Handclap Band have created an extraordinary record, an accumulation of countless styles and eras of music that at times works impeccably. But too often it just a little too frenzied to adore.
  7. Under The Radar
    Jan 30, 2012
    50
    PHB are equally comfortable with light rocking as they are heavy popping. [#39, p.75]
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  8. The Guardian
    Feb 9, 2012
    60
    While 'The Written Word' and the title track are bonanzas for fans of arm-waving disco-house, the "control" element of the title is present all the way through, and the songs never quite transcend the feeling they're a bit too school for cool.
  9. Consequence
    Jan 30, 2012
    50
    The Phenomenal Handclap Band return with its sophomore release, Form & Control, which feels more centered, yet as retro as ever.
  10. DIY Magazine
    Feb 13, 2012
    60
    The second album from the Phenomenal Handclap Band may not contain anything as exciting or danceable as the highlights of their debut but, despite its disappointments, there is still plenty on Form & Control for anyone who enjoyed their debut to appreciate.
  11. BBC Music
    Feb 13, 2012
    60
    Ultimately, Form & Control serves it purpose as a ready-made playlist for your next party, but perhaps the band's oversimplifying of its sound has stripped away some of its mystique in the process.
  12. Blurt Magazine
    Apr 5, 2012
    60
    Form & Control exhibits a duality that splits the difference in the disparity of the Clap's soulful psych-pop/dance club fusion.
  13. The Fly (UK)
    Feb 10, 2012
    40
    Form And Control is a pleasant enough offering, but there's nothing phenomenal on show here.

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User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 2
  3. Negative: 1 out of 2
  1. AlexxTrusc
    Apr 26, 2012
    4
    New York's octet regales us again with disco-soul compositions on second LP "Form and Control" and - like the preceding album - the songs areNew York's octet regales us again with disco-soul compositions on second LP "Form and Control" and - like the preceding album - the songs are rather average quality. Above all, what lacking is a distinctive number, which would become the signature of the album. The title track does not enrapture and although songs such as "Give" and "Winter Falls" raise the release's level - but they make it slightly.… Full Review »
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