Gist Is
by Adult Jazz
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. AllMusic
    Aug 13, 2014
    80
    It's uncompromising yet masterful, an auspicious and perhaps even magical first offering.
  2. CMJ
    Aug 1, 2014
    80
    It’s good right away, but it doesn’t make sense until later. Gist Is might take patience, but it pays off.
  3. Consequence
    Aug 5, 2014
    50
    Unfortunately, it seems the desire to be wild and innovative eclipsed the will to create songs that hold together.
  5. DIY Magazine
    Aug 1, 2014
    80
    Without a doubt an audacious first effort, Adult Jazz have lovingly crafted a record of intriguing, ear-catching pop music on Gist Is.
  6. Drowned In Sound
    Aug 1, 2014
    70
    It’s an unapologetically impressive and precise record that could do more to reach out and connect, rather than just dancing off, expecting the listener to follow.
  7. Mojo
    Aug 20, 2014
    60
    Gist Is feels like an urgent conversation,a record driven by compulsion; fortunately, tuning in to its internal dialogue is a pleasure. [Sep 2014, p.93]
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  8. New Musical Express (NME)
    Aug 4, 2014
    80
    By the time you reach the gentle conclusion of ‘Bonedigger’, it’s clear Adult Jazz will be inspiring their own army of rip-offs before long.
  9. No Ripcord
    Aug 14, 2014
    80
    This album is a grower.
  10. Paste Magazine
    Aug 19, 2014
    91
    Seeing a band carry on the complexities of long-form songs, especially when giving their entire selves up to the process while they’re at it, is the boldest a debut can be.
  11. Pitchfork
    Aug 6, 2014
    74
    Gist Is is full of clever turns of musical and lyrical phrase which will dispel possible accusations of self-indulgence and pretension, and somehow, within just a few listens, it becomes easy to enjoy this unusually paced album of so few easy hooks, and so many seemingly insignificant words.
  12. Q Magazine
    Aug 28, 2014
    80
    Over time, a soulful, joyous record reveals itself. [Sep 2014, p.103]
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  13. The Guardian
    Aug 7, 2014
    60
    Impressive--but even genius benefits from a little guidance.
  14. The Line of Best Fit
    Aug 1, 2014
    85
    Gist Is shows a lightness of touch that’s few and far between on debut records.
  15. The Quietus
    Aug 14, 2014
    80
    It's both texturally ravishing and textually fascinating.
  16. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Sep 3, 2014
    80
    Because they sound so assured in this sound and its deviations, and because they carry ideas to exciting ends, I want to believe.
  17. Under The Radar
    Aug 13, 2014
    85
    Whatever their next move, Gist Is will leave a mark for Adult Jazz as an innovative and sophisticated act that surpassed all expectations.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. TheKillerFries
    Aug 7, 2018
    8
    While sometimes a bit unfocused, Adult Jazz debuts with a staunchly alien and hauntingly beautiful sound that comes together to create anWhile sometimes a bit unfocused, Adult Jazz debuts with a staunchly alien and hauntingly beautiful sound that comes together to create an album that is absolutely dripping with atmosphere, style and a distinctly tight disregard for conventional song structure.… Full Review »
  2. factorking
    Aug 6, 2014
    9
    A splashing debut in the pool of modern music, 'Gist Is' calls upon the experimentation of Dirty Projectors or perhaps even Grizzly Bear, yetA splashing debut in the pool of modern music, 'Gist Is' calls upon the experimentation of Dirty Projectors or perhaps even Grizzly Bear, yet still maintains an exciting originality in the vein of those reveal-more-with-each-listen albums that are always a delight to discover and sink into with ears fully open.… Full Review »
  3. iurimoldes
    Aug 5, 2014
    10
    The best new band of 2014. Beautiful album. Beautiful textures. Beautiful music. Nothing more to say. If you have not listened yet, what youThe best new band of 2014. Beautiful album. Beautiful textures. Beautiful music. Nothing more to say. If you have not listened yet, what you waiting for?… Full Review »
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