Give Blood - Brakes [aka brakesbrakesbrakes]
User Score
8.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. tedl
    Oct 3, 2005
    8
    The one bad review I've seen of Brakes was likely written by a members of a band/scene skewered on GIVE BLOOD. This is a collection of brief, abrasive pop songs that provide anecdotal commentary -- nothing too deep, but generally spot-on observations that are not often noted. I could do with a little less twang on the next one, to which I am looking forward.
  2. RobbinL
    Oct 14, 2005
    7
    Primarily rewarding, if not silly. The catchiness is undeniable on some, and some seem just plain amateur. The nod to the JAMC is a pleasant gesture, but Ms. Sandoval has got nothing to fear. Overall, I would compare it to an average episode of Night Court. A decent portion of Dan and Harry with just a little Bull.
  3. JC
    Oct 27, 2005
    4
    I saw the Brakes live at Mean Fiddler the other night and to be honest I found it quite bad. As far as melodies go, it's not mediocre, but there's really nothing exciting about it. However, the lead singer should really take up singing lessons, and I'm not even sure that would be enough to overcome his appalling singing capabilities. It's like hearing Arcade Fire gone horribly wrong. Definitely hear it before you decide to buy it!… Expand
  4. VanderV
    Sep 14, 2005
    9
    It´s very funny and much better than the last British Sea Power album. It was recorded in 5 days!!!
  5. MaxJ
    Jan 28, 2006
    10
    Outstanding

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. Prefix Magazine
    40
    The lack of musical coherence here is jarring and irritating.
    Read full review
  2. Blender
    80
    Stupid-brilliant punk rock. [Dec 2005, p.147]
  3. Alternative Press
    80
    Thankfully, the electro-bleeped post-punk "All Night Disco Party" and buzz-band piss-take "Heard About Your Band" aren't just dead-on scenester satire; they're damned entertaining too. [Jan 2006, p.142]
See all critic reviews »