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High Society
by
High Society Image
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the second album for the eclectic indie-rock band fronted and founded by John Schmersal (Brainiac). For this outing, the band has expanded to a four-piece, with new members Matt Schultz and former Blonde Redhead bassist Toko Yasuda (who replaces Steve Calhoon and handles some vocals).

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Pitchfork
    88
    It's the kind of meet-you-halfway hipster party record the Dismemberment Plan has decided they don't want to make anymore.
  2. Splendid
    80
    For all the divergent styles and blatant hero-worshipping to be found on High Society, the group never sounds derivative or misguided -- a rare feat, proving that despite numerous comparisons, Enon have indeed carved out their own fractured and unique musical identity.
  3. AllMusic
    80
    Though they may be more focused, Enon will never be straightforward, but that's one of the band's, and album's, strengths.
  4. Rolling Stone
    70
    Like kindred spirit Robert Pollard, Schmersal doesn't believe in wasting precious energy gussying tunes up with unnecessary accoutrements like middle eights and third verses, which imbues High Society with kind of breathless energy custom made for a hot summer night.
  5. Alternative Press
    70
    Enon proves once and for all that spooky does not necessarily mean quiet, and being goofy doesn't make you a joke. [July 2002, p.80]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Drawer B
    70
    High Society expands upon the hurried schizophrenia of Schmersal’s previous band, Brainiac, elevating songwriting to the same level of experimental deconstruction to both the detriment and advancement of the band’s core sound.
  7. Uncut
    60
    Enon inhabit a multi-coloured Seventies soaring pop universe but with... emphasis on crunching guitar breaks, electronic textures and skewed lyrics. [Sep 2002, p.118]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. AndyT.
    Sep 12, 2002
    10
    Aye carumba! That's a spicy tamale!!!
  2. JustinB
    Jan 15, 2007
    10
    classic!
  4. SlateGrey
    Mar 26, 2004
    10
    Fucking amazing. I got an interview with Schmersal when the CD came out... hope he's as cool as ever.
  5. AmberR
    Jul 26, 2004
    10
    beautiful and eclectic
  6. MichaelE.
    Oct 7, 2002
    8
    Pure fun from beginning to end. One of my favourites this year.
  7. BenjaminBunny
    Apr 17, 2004
    8
    Great for a party, great doing housechores. Endlessly listenable.

Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Most Shared Album of 2002