Future This
by The Big Pink
  • Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: Jan 16, 2012
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 33
  3. Negative: 3 out of 33
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  1. Pitchfork
    Jan 17, 2012
    52
    Where the Big Pink previously sounded invincible, nearly every attempt to intellectualize or streamline their sound makes Future This come off as timid and malnourished.
  2. Uncut
    Jan 9, 2012
    60
    The album sags in the middle, descending into slick electro-rock territory worryingly reminiscent to Garbage, but the good songs are terrific. [Feb 2012, p.81]
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  3. Q Magazine
    Jan 10, 2012
    40
    Sees Milo Cordell and Robbie Furze being drawn further into the stadium-electro wind tunnel. [Feb. 2012 p. 101]
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  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jan 18, 2012
    60
    Robbie Furze and Milo Cordell's second album isn't done for by a lack of ambition, but rather the imagination required to realise it.
  6. musicOMH.com
    Jan 9, 2012
    60
    So the songs merge into one, and the parts add up to less than the whole. And taken as a whole Future This is a bit much.
  7. The Guardian
    Jan 12, 2012
    40
    Much of this followup sounds like it's aiming to replicate the feel of that radio-friendly unit-shifter [Dominos] rather than the dreamy haze of early songs like Velvet. Occasionally it works.
  8. Consequence
    Jan 17, 2012
    50
    The Big Pink's insistence on keeping their amplifiers and ambition turned all the way up to 11 for the length of Future This makes for a decidedly dull listen and one that'll leave many fans hoping that the band will scale things back for album number three.
  9. Slant Magazine
    Jan 12, 2012
    50
    The fumbling effort to harmonize their irreverence and earnestness leaves the Big Pink ultimately stranded, and the result is a hook-deficient album that wears on the ears after only a few listens.
  10. DIY Magazine
    Feb 10, 2012
    60
    A thick as muck yet intelligent pop album.
  11. Alternative Press
    Jan 18, 2012
    50
    Everyone involved seems to simply be shrugging along in an almost cynical fashion, figuring people will buy it no matter what they do.
  12. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Jan 19, 2012
    50
    If only conviction had been more successfully transposed onto their music, the band could have produced a follow-up that would not have had to contend with standing in its predecessor's large, looming shadow.
  13. NOW Magazine
    Jan 26, 2012
    60
    The result is an album with chart-worthy songs that are uncomfortably familiar at times and a touch low on risk.
  14. Sputnikmusic
    Jan 11, 2012
    50
    For those who don't mind a slight drop-off in substance, Future This packs all the energy needed to fill arenas and get people jumping and swaying in a U2-inspired trance.
  15. The Independent (UK)
    Jan 13, 2012
    40
    A few decent songs may be lurking behind all the sonic detritus; but perhaps they ought to ditch the multitracks and get themselves a ukulele.
  16. Fact Magazine (UK)
    Feb 10, 2012
    60
    The album's middle section treads water--'The Palace' passes by without making any impression whatsoever, '1313′ sounds like a more conventional Panda Bear--and then it all goes tits up.
  17. The Fly (UK)
    Feb 10, 2012
    50
    It's the inconsistency of Future This--particularly the band's newfound tenderness vs. Their miscalculated explosions of noise--that make it a largely baffling listen.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 13
  3. Negative: 3 out of 13
  1. patopeters
    Jan 20, 2012
    9
    Great record and better than their debut album. "Hit the ground" and "Stay gold" are their best songs yet and this sophomore release isGreat record and better than their debut album. "Hit the ground" and "Stay gold" are their best songs yet and this sophomore release is surely worth the listen.… Full Review »
  2. Kiyoshi
    Jan 20, 2012
    9
    I don't know why there's so much hate for this record, I really don't. I can see where most people wouldn't say it's better than A BriefI don't know why there's so much hate for this record, I really don't. I can see where most people wouldn't say it's better than A Brief History of Love but really, it's not some completely bad album that's not worth checking out. I really loved it and I don't get why there's such universal dislike.

    I'd even go as far as to say it might be a little better than their first album. It doesn't have a "Velvet" but it's more consistent and well developed. It's something new, it's worth listening to.    … Full Review »
  3. maxjtotsky
    Jan 20, 2012
    2
    'Future This' is an unoriginal attempt at recreating the success of the Big Pink's one chart hit 'Dominoes' and every song fails at that.'Future This' is an unoriginal attempt at recreating the success of the Big Pink's one chart hit 'Dominoes' and every song fails at that. There is very little to like about this album, including the fact that there is no good song, and instead it sounds like a bunch of people who have no idea what they are doing. This album redefines awkwardness and ends up becoming the perfect example of what you don't want to do on your second album.… Full Review »
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